East Carolina University
Department of Computer Science

CSCI 4627
Procedural Languages and Compilers
Standard Syllabus

Catalog entry

P: CSCI major; CSCI 2410, CSCI 3675. State of the art techniques for compiling procedural languages.

Course summary

This course concentrates on formal techniques for the automatic translation of languages. Specific topics include: abstract principles for lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, and code optimization; run-time management issues including role of stack and heap; tools for assisting in lexical analysis and parsing; and relationship between translation of traditional programming languages and other translatable computer languages.

Course topics

• Overview of compiler structure
• Lexical analysis
• Parsing
• Syntax-directed translation
• Intermediate code generation
• Run-Time memory management
• Code Generation
• Code Optimization Basics

Student learning outcomes

• Explain and simulate basic algorithms for lexical analysis, parsing, run-time memory management, code generation (emphasis on register allocation), and peephole optimization.
• Implement a working compiler for either a real or abstract target machine. Lexical analysis and parsing may be hand-crafted or use tools per instructor preference.

Textbook

Grading

Grading will be based on a midterm exam, a final exam, a small number of homework assignments, and a programming project. The midterm exam counts a total of 10%, the final exam 25%, the homework assignments 15%, and the project 50%.

Grade meanings