Module: Compiler Construction

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Compiler Construction
Module Code	CA4003 (ITS) / CSC1098 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	David Sinclair
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module aims to: • give students a comprehensive understanding of the techniques used in compilers; • give an overview of the phases of a compiler; • study lexical analysis, syntax analysis and semantic analysis in detail; • give an overview of the run-time environments used to support the compilation process; and • study intermediate code generation, optimization techniques, object code generation and register allocation in detail.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the function of the different phases of a compiler.
2. Apply the techniques used in lexical analysis.
3. Develop a lexical analyser.
4. Use algorithms for top-down and bottom-up parsing.
5. Develop a parser.
6. Apply the techniques used in semantic analysis.
7. Describe the different run-time environments used in the back-end of a compiler.
8. Apply techniques for intermediate code generation.
9. Use different techniques for the optimization of intermediate code.
10. Apply techniques for the generation of object coed from intermediate code.
11. Perform register allocation for object code.
12. Develop the back-end of a compiler.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Lectures
Assignment Completion	30	Assignments
Independent Study	121	Independent Study
Total Workload: 187

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Structure of a compiler.

Lexical Analysis.

Syntax Analysis
Top-down and bottom-up parsing.

Semantic Analysis
Abstract syntax tree and the visitor pattern.

Intermediate code generation

Intermediate code optimisation

Object code generation

Register allocation

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Compiler Front-end: Lexical and Syntax Analysis.	15%	Week 8
Assignment	Compiler Back-end: Semantic Analysis and generating intermediate code	15%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

A.W. Appel: 2002, Modern Compiler Implementation in Java, 2nd, Cambridge University Press, 0-521-82060-X
• A.V.Aho, M.S. Lam, R. Sethi and J.D. Ullman: 2007, Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools, 2nd, Person, 978-0-321-49169-5
Tom Copeland: 2007, Generating Parsers with JavaCC, 2nd, Centennial Books, 0-9762214-3-8

Other Resources

None