Module: Compiler Construction

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Compiler Construction
Module Code	CA4003
School	School of Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: David Sinclair Semester 2: David Sinclair Autumn: David Sinclair
Module Teachers	David Sinclair
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
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

Programme or List of Programmes

CASE	BSc in Computer Applications (Sft.Eng.)
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

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