Making compiler construction projects relevant to core curriculums

ABSTRACT

Having 300 students a year implement a compiler is a debatable enterprise, since the industry will certainly not recruit them for this competence. Yet we made that decision five years ago, for reasons not related to compiler construction. We detail these motivations, the resulting compiler design, and how we manage the assignment. The project meets its goals, since the majority of former students invariably refer to it as the project that taught them the most.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.4 Processors
          Subjects: Compilers

General Terms:
Design, Management

Keywords:
compiler design, design patterns, educational projects, object oriented programming