CS179E Compiler Design Project - Fall 2004

Description

Study of the techniques for translating conventional programming language source into executable machine codes. Topics include: lexical analysis, syntactic analysis and parsing, static and runtime storage management, and code generation.

This is a project oriented course. You can expect to put in 9-12 hours per week for the class (including lectures) and an additional 3-4 hours per week for the lab/project.

This course places a premium on individual initiative and teamwork and consists of a theoretical component and a practical component. The theoretical component is developed through lectures, reading materials, and written reports and presentations. The practical component is developed through individual and group projects supported by a collaboration environment.

Goals

Satisfactory completion of this course requires demonstration of the following skills:

understanding of the syntax directed programs,
ability to construct a lexical analyzer (scanner) using regular expressions and a scanner generator tool,
ability to construct a parser from a context-free grammar and a parser generator tool,
ability to construct and use a symbol table to support the parsing of context sensitive constructs and semantic analysis
ability to generate code equivalents of the basic data types and control structures as the output of the compiler

The Instructor's role

The instructor sets the course parameters to insure adequate coverage and standards has a role similar to that of a coach; to provide motivation, context, emphasis, and evaluation.

Theoretical Component

The theoretical component provides an opportunity to acquire the domain knowledge and to demonstrate comprehension of and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge through lectures, reading materials, and written reports and presentations.

Practical Component

The practical component involves both interpersonal and communication skills required for effective teamwork and is an opportunity to demonstrate the design and collaboration skills necessary to analyze a problem, create and evaluate alternative designs, and implement a solution to the problem.

Evaluation

The goal of evaluation is to assist the student and the instructor to obtain a clear picture of the quantity and quality student's knowledge and skills relative to the course goals. The final grade given by the instructor is a subjective evaluation of the individual student and team work.