CS325-15 Compiler Design
Introductory description
A compiler is a program that can read a program in one language - the source language -
and translate it into an equivalent program in another language - the target language
Module aims
The module will provide a through introduction to the principles of compiler design, with an emphasis on general solutions to common problems as well as techniques for putting the extensive theory into practice.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Languages and Grammars: regular expressions, context-free grammars, BNF.
- Parsing: top-down and bottom-up techniques.
- Semantic Analysis: attribute grammars, translation schemes, type inference, symbol tables. Code Generation: run-time environment, intermediate code, register allocation, optimization. Programming Paradigms: issues in the compilation of imperative, functional, and object-oriented languages
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- A successful student will have acquired the skills to understand, develop, and analyse recognizers for programming languages. The student will also be able to deploy efficient and methodical techniques for integrating semantic analysis into the afore-mentioned recognizers, and generate low-level code for most constructs that characterise imperative and functional programming languages.
Indicative reading list
(a) Appell, Modern Compiler Implementation in Java, Cambridge University Press, 2003
(b) Watt and Brown, Programming Language Processors in Java, Prentice Hall, 2000
(c) Grune, Bal, Jacobs, and Langendoen, Modern Compiler Design, Wiley, 2000.
(d) Aho, Sethi and Ullman, Compilers Principles, Techniques and Tools, Addison-Wesley.
Subject specific skills
Develop an end-to-end compiler. Use of modern and industrial-grade compiler development software, techniques and tools.
Transferable skills
Technical - Programming. Following online tutorials. Version control and software development. Software testing and debugging.
Creativity - Designing tangible and strategic solutions (compilers).
Multitasking - Time management, organisation skills and meeting deadlines.
Critical thinking - Problem-solving, analysis of possible solutions.
Communication - Listening, writing, technical communication skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Practical classes | 6 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
| Private study | 110 hours (73%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Revision of lecture notes
Private study of online tutorials and coursework
Background reading - reading recommended textbook sections
Attempting/doing past exam paper questions
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsupervised practical assignments | 40% | No | |
|
Unsupervised practical assignments. This assignment is worth more than 3 CATS and is not, therefore, eligible for self-certification. |
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| In-person Examination | 60% | No | |
|
CS325 Exam
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Assessment group R2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person Examination - Resit | 100% | No | |
|
CS325 resit examination.
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on coursework.
Pre-requisites
Students must have studied the material in CS126 or CS259 or equivalent subject material.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UCSA-G4G1 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics
- Year 3 of UCSA-G4G3 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics
- Year 4 of UCSA-G4G4 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of UCSA-G4G2 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of UMAA-G105 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 4 of UCSA-G504 MEng Computer Science (with intercalated year)
- Year 3 of UCSA-G500 Undergraduate Computer Science
- Year 4 of UCSA-G502 Undergraduate Computer Science (with Intercalated Year)
-
UCSA-G503 Undergraduate Computer Science MEng
- Year 3 of G500 Computer Science
- Year 3 of G503 Computer Science MEng
- Year 3 of UCSA-G406 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 3 of UCSA-G408 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 4 of UCSA-G407 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of UCSA-G409 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Option list B for:
-
UMAA-G105 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of G105 Mathematics (MMath) with Intercalated Year
- Year 5 of G105 Mathematics (MMath) with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UMAA-G100 Undergraduate Mathematics (BSc)
-
UMAA-G103 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath)
- Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
- Year 3 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)
- Year 4 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)
- Year 4 of UMAA-G107 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) with Study Abroad
-
UMAA-G106 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 3 of G106 Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 4 of G106 Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 4 of UMAA-G101 Undergraduate Mathematics with Intercalated Year
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 3 of USTA-G302 Undergraduate Data Science
- Year 3 of USTA-G304 Undergraduate Data Science (MSci)
- Year 4 of USTA-G303 Undergraduate Data Science (with Intercalated Year)