COMPILER CONSTRUCTION

Instructor:
Mr. Sheraz Babar

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Lecture 01

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Compiler
 The compiler is software that converts a program written in a high-
level language (Source Language) to low-level language
(Object/Target/Machine Language).

 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) .

 An important role of the compiler is to report any errors in the

source program that it detects during the translation process.

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Compiler

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Compiler
 Examples
• Typical Compilers:
– VC, VC++, GCC, JavaC
– FORTRAN, Pascal, VB(?)
• Translators
– Word to PDF
– PDF to Postscript

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Source Code
 A computer program in its original programming language (such as
FORTRAN or C) before translation into object code usually by a co
mpiler
 Optimized for human readability
 Matches human notions/approach of grammar
 Uses named constructs such as variables and procedures

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Source Code
 Example
int expr( int n )
{
int d;
d = 4*n*n*(n+1)*(n+1);
return d;
}

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Assembly Code
 Optimized for hardware
 Consists of machine instructions
 Uses registers (such as Ax, Bx, Cx, Dx) and unnamed memory loc
ations
 Much harder to understand by humans

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Assembly Code
Example:
START:
MOV AX,10
MOV BX,10
ADD AX, BX
MOV AH,4CH
INT 21H
ENDS

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Compiler Types
Types of Compiler

 Cross Compiler that runs on a machine ‘A’ and produces a code

for another machine ‘B’. It is capable of creating code for a platform
other than the one on which the compiler is running.
– For example, a compiler that runs on a PC but generates
code that runs on an Android smartphone is a cross
compiler.

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Compiler Types
 Source-to-source Compiler or transcompiler or transpiler is a
compiler that translates source code written in one programming
language into the source code of another programming language.
– For example, while the traditional compiler may
convert C to assembly
 Decompiler
Basically, it is not a compiler. It is just the reverse of the
compiler. It converts the machine code into high-level language.

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How to Translate
 Is there a unique translation? No!
 Is there an algorithm for an “ideal translation”? No!

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How to Translate
 Translation is a complex process

 source language and generated code are very different

 Need to structure the translation

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Features of a Compiler
The features are as follows:
• It gives good compilation speed.
• The correctness of machine code.
• The meaning of code should not change.
• It has good error detection.
• Checking the code correctly according to grammar.

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Uses of Compilers

 Helps to make the code independent of the platform.

 Makes the code free of syntax and semantic errors.
 Generate executable files of code.
 Translates the code from one language to another.

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 Difference Between Compiler and
Interpreter

 Compiler
A compiler checks the whole program at once. It displays all the
errors at a place once the whole program is checked.

 Interpreter
On the other hand, an interpreter checks the program line by
line. If an error is detected the execution stops.

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 Difference Between Compiler and
Interpreter
 Here are some differences between a compiler and an interpreter:

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The End

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