Course detail

Formal Languages and Compilers

FIT-IFJAcad. year: 2017/2018

This course discusses formal languages and their models. Based on these models, it explains the construction of compilers. The lectures are organized as follows: (I) Basic notions: formal languages and their models, grammars, automata; compilers. (II) Regular languages and lexical analysis: regular languages and expressions, finite automata and transducers, lexical analyzer; Lex; symbol table. (III) Context-free languages and syntax analysis: context-free grammars, pushdown automata and transducers, deterministic top-down syntax analysis (recursive descent), the essence of deterministic bottom-up syntax analysis; Yacc. (IV) Semantic analysis and code generation: semantic checks, intermediate code generation, optimization, code generation.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Alexandr Meduna, CSc.

Department

Department of Information Systems (UIFS)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Fundamental familiarity with the theory of formal languages. Ability of a compiler construction.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of discrete mathematics.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Not applicable.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

To be allowed to take the final written exam, the student has to obtain 20 points during the semester; out of these 20 points, at least five points has to be obtained for the programming part of the project.

Course curriculum

Syllabus of lectures:
  • Formal languages.
  • Translation of languages and the structure of a compiler.
  • Regular languages and their models: regular expressions and finite automata.
  • Lexical analysis: lexical analyzer; Lex; symbol table.
  • Context-free languages and their models: context-free grammars and pushdown automata.
  • Syntax analysis: deterministic syntax analysis, FIRST and FOLLOW, LL grammars.
  • Deterministic top-down syntax analysis: recursive descent.
  • Deterministic bottom-up syntax analysis: simple precedence analysis; Yacc.
  • Semantic analysis and intermediate form generation.
  • Optimization.
  • Code generation.
  • Chomsky hierarchy and the corresponding models.
  • Remarks and summary. Preliminary discussion of the VYPe contents.

Syllabus - others, projects and individual work of students:
Students in teams (3 through 5 students per a team) implement a compiler/interpreter of a simple programming language (including a documentation).

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Familiarity with formal languages and their models. Grasp of compiler construction.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The midterm test takes place approximately in the middle of the semester without a spare or correction term (20 points). To apply theoretical knowledge, students work on a team project (25 points). Continuously, the team leader checks team's progress. Finally, there is a final exam with two correction terms (55 points).

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

  • Parsons, T. W.: Introduction to Compiler Construction. Freeman, New York, 1992.

Recommended reading

  • kopie přednášek (elektronické i papírové)
  • Meduna, A.: Automata and Languages. London, Springer, 2000.
  • Meduna, A.: Elements of Compiler Design. New York, US, Tailor & Francis, 2008.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme IT-BC-3 Bachelor's

    branch BIT , 2. year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Alexandr Meduna, CSc.

Syllabus

  • Formal languages.
  • Translation of languages and the structure of a compiler.
  • Regular languages and their models: regular expressions and finite automata.
  • Lexical analysis: lexical analyzer; Lex; symbol table.
  • Context-free languages and their models: context-free grammars and pushdown automata.
  • Syntax analysis: deterministic syntax analysis, FIRST and FOLLOW, LL grammars.
  • Deterministic top-down syntax analysis: recursive descent.
  • Deterministic bottom-up syntax analysis: simple precedence analysis; Yacc.
  • Semantic analysis and intermediate form generation.
  • Optimization.
  • Code generation.
  • Chomsky hierarchy and the corresponding models.
  • Remarks and summary. Preliminary discussion of the VYPe contents.

Project

13 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Alexandr Meduna, CSc.