Introduction to compilers

What is a compiler

Translate program from source language to target language Preserve semantics

Purpose of Parsing

Analyze the phrase structure of the program

Purpose of Lexing

Break the source file into individual words (aka tokens)

Purpose of IR represenation

Bring source and target language closer. The notation of IR is not tied to the source language or target-machine architecture.

Purpose of Semantic Analysis

Determine the meaning of each phrase. Relate use of varaibles to their definitions. Check types. Request translation of each phrase.

Why make/use compilers

Economy (micro-level decisions already handled) Performance Safety & Securit

Fundamentals of compilers

Preserve semantics Some discernible utility → #useful

Purpose of Hoisting phase

???

Properties of a good compiler

Generates correct and fast code Conforms to the language specifications Supports arbitrary size inputs Good compilation speed