Compiler Construction

• explain the contribution of compilers to the reliability of software systems;
• explain the structure of optimising compilers and the functionality of the different phases;
• explain the relation between high-level language, intermediate representation, analyses, and optimisations;
• explain the process of code generation for modern computer architectures, including virtual machines
• extend a compiler to add new functionalities to a programming language
• use modern tools to implement parts of compilers, and explain their functionality;
• implement a compiler for a realistic programming language, or extend an existing one;
• achieve the above results in a group project while at the same time maintaining individual accountability; and
• communicate the obtained results in a clear and precise manner using a standard form for technical reports.

The course covers three main topics:
(1) The compilation process: from high-level programming language to hardware architectures and virtual machines;
(2) Intermediate representations and their role in compilers; and
(3) Lexing, parsing, code analysis, code generation, and optimizations.
The course project requires to extend an existing compiler framework to support more advanced programming language features.

02141, The students are expected to be familiar with finite automata and context-free grammars. This background can be obtained in the course 02141. The students must be fluent in at least one programming language.

Lectures, theoretical exercises, and practical exercises.