Engineering a Compiler

Engineering a Compiler, Third Edition covers the latest developments in compiler technology, with a fresh approach to learning important techniques for constructing a modern compiler.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Engineering a Compiler, Third Edition, delves into the latest advancements in compiler technology, featuring comprehensive coverage of key topics. This edition includes new chapters dedicated to semantic elaboration, runtime support for naming and addressability, and code shape for expressions, assignments, and control structures. Authored by renowned educators and researchers, Keith Cooper and Linda Torczon, this revised text takes a fresh approach to teaching essential techniques for constructing a modern compiler. By seamlessly blending fundamental principles with practical insights gained from their extensive experience in building state-of-the-art compilers, the authors provide readers with a comprehensive and practical guide to this field.

The book begins by introducing the fundamental concepts and principles of compiler design. It then explores the complexities involved in generating code from ad-hoc syntax-directed translation schemes in a generated parser. The authors delve into semantic elaboration, addressing the challenges that arise during this process. They discuss techniques such as type analysis, symbol resolution, and code generation, providing detailed explanations and examples to aid readers in understanding these critical aspects of compiler construction.

In the subsequent chapters, the book focuses on runtime support for naming and addressability. It discusses the mechanisms and techniques used to ensure that program variables and objects are properly named and accessible at runtime. The authors explore the role of symbol tables, name resolution algorithms, and memory management in achieving efficient naming and addressing. They also discuss the challenges associated with dynamic linking, runtime libraries, and module systems, and provide solutions to address these issues.

The final chapters of the book explore code shape for expressions, assignments, and control structures. The authors discuss the importance of optimizing code for performance, readability, and maintainability. They introduce various code optimization techniques, such as register allocation, instruction scheduling, and code generation algorithms. They also discuss the use of static analysis tools and profiling techniques to identify and optimize code hotspots.

Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the practical aspects of compiler construction. They provide numerous examples and exercises to reinforce the theoretical concepts and help readers apply the knowledge gained to real-world scenarios. The book is well-organized, with clear headings, subheadings, and illustrations to enhance readability. Additionally, the authors include a comprehensive bibliography and a list of useful resources for further study, making it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of compiler engineering.

In conclusion, Engineering a Compiler, Third Edition, is a comprehensive and up-to-date textbook that covers the latest developments in compiler technology. Authored by experienced educators and researchers, this text provides readers with a solid foundation in compiler design principles and practical techniques. With its fresh approach, comprehensive coverage, and practical examples, it is an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in this field.

Weight: 1308g
Dimension: 236 x 190 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128154120
Edition number: 3 ed