Languages and translators

linfo2132  2021-2022  Louvain-la-Neuve

Languages and translators
6.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Laurent Nicolas;
Language
English
Main themes
  • Methods to analyze context-free languages, upstream and downstream methods
  • Generators of lexical analyzers and parsers
  • Statistical semantics and attributed grammars
  • Methods to translate a source code in a target code, and generation of target code
  • Machine virtuelle et byte-code (JVM)
  • Garbage Collection et gestion mémoire
  • Domain Specific Languages (DSL)
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 Given the learning outcomes of the "Master in Computer Science and Engineering" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • INFO1.1-3
  • INFO2.2-4
  • INFO5.2, INFO5.4, INFO5.5
  • INFO6.1, INFO6.4
Given the learning outcomes of the "Master [120] in Computer Science" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • SINF1.M2
  • SINF2.2-4
  • SINF5.2, SINF5.4, SINF5.5
  • SINF6.1, SINF6.4
Given the learning outcomes of the "Master [60] in Computer Science" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • 1SINF1.M2
  • 1SINF2.2-4
  • 1SINF5.2, 1SINF5.4, 1SINF5.5
  • 1SINF6.1, 1SINF6.4
Students completing successfully this course will be able to
  • explain in a practical way the structure of compilers dealing with algorithmic languages
  • design and implement a compiler for a practical language which solves a interesting problem
  • show the interest of compiling techniques in problem resolving
Students will have developed skills and operational methodology. In particular, they have developed their ability to
  • treat rigorously a problem, justifying and validating each step of a project to be able to rely on it to implement the following one
  • explain in practical terms how a source code (Java) is finally translated into byte-code.
  • explain the enforcement mechanisms byte code by JVM
  • explain memory management during the execution of a program
  • explain how garbage collection mechanisms
 
Content
The course presents the theory and practice of programming language implementation, as well as compiler architecture. We will review the standard components of a compiler, from front-end (parsing, lexical analysis) to back-end (machine code generation, or interpreters), also touching on static semantics and type systems. Ultimately, students should be able to understand the ins and outs of the various programming language implementation techniques in use today.
During the course, the students will implement their own programming language.
Teaching methods
The course consists in a series of pre-recorded video lectures, as well as weekly or bi-weekly consolidation sessions where students can ask their questions. There will also be a couple of lab sessions to best prepare the students for the project.

During the semester, students will have to complete the project, which consists of extending a basic programming language interpreter/compiler with new paradigms.
Evaluation methods
The project (done in groups of two) accounts for two third of the course's grade. The project consists in extending the implementation of a basic programming language with new paradigms. A written exam accounts for the final third.
In case of a second session, the students are free to resubmit the project, re-present the exam, or both.
Other information
Background :
  • LINGI1122 : Program design
  • LSINF1121 : High-level programming language, algorithmics and data structures
  • LINGI1101 : Logic and discrete structures
Online resources
http://moodleucl.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=5423
Bibliography
Ouvrage(s) recommandé(s) :
  • Crafting Interpreters, Bob Nystrom (https://craftinginterpreters.com/)
  • How To Create Pragmatic Lightweight Languages, Federico Tomassetti
  • Introduction to Compiler Construction in a Java World, Bill Campbell, Swamilyer, Bahar Akbal-Deliba
  • Modern Compiler Implementation in Jaav, Andrew W. Appel
Teaching materials
  • Supports du cours en ligne
Faculty or entity
INFO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Computer Science and Engineering
INFO2M
6
Master [60] in Computer Science
SINF2M1
6
Master [120] in Computer Science
SINF2M
6