Course Details for A.Y. 2012/2013

Course Objectives

The course is an introduction in compiler design and presents the main principles and techniques used during the compilation process. The aim is to make the students capable to solve typical problems in designing a language translator and to develop small software projects regarding the construction of parts of compiler through tools like Lex and Yacc.

Course Content

• Formal language basic notions. Introduction to compiling: the analysis-synthesis model, the phases of a compiler, interpreters
• Lexical analysis: tokens-patterns-lexemes, input buffering, Thompson’s algorithm.
• LEX: software architecture and syntax
• Syntax analysis: parsing top-down, parsing bottom-up. Nonrecursive predictive parsing
• LR parsers: methods SLR, LALR, canonical LR
• LR grammars and ambiguous grammars.
• YACC: software architecture and syntax
• Syntax-directed translation. Syntax-directed definitions: synthesized and inherited attributes, S-attributed definitions and L-attributed definitions
• Translation schemes. Semantic analysis and type checking
• Intermediate code generation. Three-address code: syntax and examples of generation

Prerequisites and Learning Activities

It requires the knowledge of the basic concepts of the formal language theory and programming.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

written examination (midterm + final) on the subjects treated in the course

Textbooks

• A.V. Aho, R. Sethi, J.D. Ullmann, Compilers, principles, techniques and tools , Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.    

Internet Resources

Course page updates

• A.Y. 2011/2012
• A.Y. 2012/2013
• A.Y. 2013/2014
• A.Y. 2014/2015
• A.Y. 2015/2016
• A.Y. 2016/2017
• A.Y. 2017/2018
• A.Y. 2018/2019
• A.Y. 2019/2020