🛠 Compiler Construction

🛠 Compiler Construction Course

Course Code: 27020-COs
Academy: Engineering Office for Technology and Software Services

🧩 Introduction

Compiler Construction dives deep into the engineering behind building compilers — software that translates high-level programming languages into executable code. This course blends theoretical foundations with practical implementation, guiding learners through the full pipeline of a compiler: from scanning and parsing to code generation and optimization.

🎯 Course Modules

🔹 Module 1: Introduction to Compiler Construction

• What is a Compiler and why do we need it?

• Differences between Compiler and Interpreter

• Phases of compiler construction (Compilation Phases)

🔹 Module 2: Lexical Analysis

• Definition and role of Lexical Analysis

• Writing a Lexer and analyzing Tokens

• Tools for lexical analysis (e.g., Flex)

🔹 Module 3: Syntax Analysis

• Definition of Syntax Analysis and building a Parse Tree

• Grammar rules and language syntax

• Types of parsers (e.g., LL, LR)

🔹 Module 4: Semantic Analysis

• Semantic checking and validation

• Managing Symbol Tables

• Scope management and Type Checking

🔹 Module 5: Intermediate Code Generation

• What is Intermediate Code?

• Representing code as Three Address Code

• Translating arithmetic and logical expressions into intermediate code

🔹 Module 6: Code Optimization

• Intermediate-level code optimization

• Reducing code size and improving efficiency

• Optimization techniques like Loop Optimization

🔹 Module 7: Target Code Generation

• Translating intermediate code into Machine Code

• Register allocation strategies

• Generating optimized code for various processors

🔹 Module 8: Memory Management

• Memory allocation and management during execution

• Handling variables, Stack, and Heap

• Garbage collection strategies

🔹 Module 9: Practical Applications and Projects

• Building a simple compiler for a custom programming language

• Using tools like Flex and Bison

• Implementing and optimizing target code on a chosen platform

• 🎯 Course Outcomes

  By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • ✅ Understand and implement each stage of the compiler pipeline

  • ✅ Construct lexical and syntax analyzers using tools like Lex/Flex and Yacc/Bison

  • ✅ Analyze and implement semantic checks, intermediate code, and optimizations

  • ✅ Generate target machine or bytecode from intermediate representations

  • ✅ Develop a working compiler for a small custom programming language

  • ✅ Use modern compiler tools such as LLVM and ANTLR in practical contexts

  • ✅ Apply formal language and automata theory in real-world applications

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  🕒 Time Frame

  • Duration: 8 Weeks

  • Sessions: 16 sessions (2 per week)

  • Session Length: 1.5 to 2 hours per session

  • Project Work: Weekly assignments and a final compiler project

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  🗂️ Course Format

  • 📺 Live or recorded lectures with hands-on code walkthroughs

  • 🧪 Practical Labs after every core module

  • 💻 Code assignments and quizzes via learning platform (LMS)

  • 🛠 Compiler Construction Project: build your own basic language compiler

  • 👨‍🏫 Mentor support & discussion forum for Q&A

  • 📜 Certificate awarded upon successful completion and project submission