Deep comparison of decompiler internals:

• Ghidra: Converts native assembly into high-level P-Code SSA (Static Single Assignment) form, applies graph simplification, and reconstructs control flow using an open architecture.
• Hex-Rays (IDA Pro): Translates assembly into multi-tiered Microcode (mcode), executes over 20 optimization passes (type propagation, dead register elimination, loop normalization), and outputs a C-tree AST.

Hex-Rays produces tighter struct field access dereferences, while Ghidra excels at cross-architecture flexibility.

Both are remarkable engineering achievements. Having Ghidra free for the community pushed the entire industry forward.

Great architectural comparison.