Course Details for A.Y. 2014/2015
Name:
Linguaggi di Programmazione e Compilatori / Programming Languages and Compilers
Basic information
Credits:
: Bachelor Degree in Computer Science 6 CFU (b)
Degree(s):
Bachelor Degree in Computer Science 3rd anno curriculum General Compulsory
Language:
Italian
Course Objectives
The course is an introduction in compiler design and presents the main principles and techniques used during the compilation process, focusing on the analysis phases of a compiler
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
Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)
On successful completion of this course, the student should
- acquire knowledge of the structure and the role of compilers; acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques used in the compilation process
- be able to apply the methodologies learnt by the course to the development of small software projects regarding the construction of parts of compiler through tools like Lex and Yacc;
- be able to assess the features of the lexical and syntactic components of a syntax-directed translation specification and choose the most suitable solution for its development;
- understand and explain the relationships between tools and results from the formal language theory and their application to the analysis phases of compilers;
- demonstrate capacity for reading and understanding other texts on related topics.
Prerequisites and Learning Activities
Knowledge of the basic concepts of the formal language theory and programming
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Formative assessment: the formative assessment is performed via interaction between teacher and students during lectures. The students are encouraged to actively participate to the lectures by making questions and discussing the theoretical concepts presented and the solutions adopted in the developed examples.
Summative assessment: written test on the subjects treated in the course. An optional mid-term written test will also be provided, which is meant to cover the first part of the course, in order to help the students to split the workload.
The written test (lasting 2 hours) consists of a set of questions for the verification of theoretical/formal competences and for the verification of skills in understanding and solving significant exercises.
Criteria of evaluation will be: the level of knowledge of the principles and techniques presented in the course, as well as the ability to apply them; the clarity and completeness of explanations.
Textbooks
- A.V. Aho, R. Sethi, J.D. Ullmann, Compilers, principles, techniques and tools , Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.
Course page updates
This course page is available (with possible updates) also for the following academic years:
To read the current information on this course, if it is still available, go to the university course catalogue .
Course information last updated on: 03 febbraio 2015, 12:21