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DD2488 Compiler Construction 9.0 credits

Administer About course

A compiler is a large and fascinating piece of software. In order to construct a compiler one must master complex algorithms and data structures, syntax analysis, and details of the target platform's architecture and instruction set.

Once you have understood how a compiler works, not only will you be able to construct your own compiler, but you will also realize why existing programming languages are designed the way they are and what limitations exist when designing a computer language.

The major assignment in this course is the construction of a compiler for a small but powerful language.

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus DD2488 (Autumn 2023–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Describing programming languages and other formal languages using regular expressions and grammars.

Methods for lexical and syntax analysis and their relationships to models of computation such as finite automata and pushdown automata. Syntax analysis using LL and LR parsing. Tools such as scanner and parser generators.

Semantic analysis, translation into intermediate code, instruction selection and register allocation.

Intended learning outcomes

The student should be able to

  • explain the steps involved in the compilation process, from source code to target code,
  • understand a given grammar or regular expression and determine which strings belong to the corresponding formal language,
  • write regular expressions and grammars for various formal languages, such as programming languages,
  • choose an appropriate formal notation to describe a given formal language,
  • explain LL-analysis and LR-analysis,
  • use scanner and parser generators,
  • explain the aspects of the architecture of a computer or a virtual machine relevant to a compiler,
  • write programs that perform various steps of the compilation process.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Single course students:

SF1671 Mathematics, Basic course, with Discrete Mathematics, DD1337 Programming, DD1338 Algorithms and Data Structures, DD1352 Algorithms, Data Structures and Complexity, IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering or corresponding courses

Recommended prerequisites

Working knowledge of Java. IS1200 Computer Hardware Engineering and DD1352 Algorithms, Data Structures, and Complexity or similar courses.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 5.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Philipp Haller

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

EECS/Computer Science

Main field of study

Computer Science and Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Philipp Haller (phaller@kth.se)