Module Search

COMP3637: Compiler Design

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type	Open
Level	3
Credits	10
Availability	Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap	None.
Location	Durham
Department	Computer Science

Prerequisites

COMP1071 Computer Systems AND COMP2181 Theory of Computation AND COMP2221 Programming Paradigms

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To understand how a compiler for a high-level programming language works.
Develop implementation skills for writing practical components of a compiler, including parsing, analysis, code generation, and optimisation.
Appreciate how the design of programming languages is affected by compiler considerations.
Implement a compiler for a high-level programming language.

Content

Compiler frontend: Foundations of compiler theory and techniques for lexical analysis, syntax analysis and semantic analysis.
Compiler backend: Intermediate representations (IRs), optimisation on IRs, machine code generation and register allocation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

An understanding of the theory and practice of compiler design.

Subject-specific Skills:

The ability to work with and reason about abstract theoretical computer science problems and to apply them to practical aspects of compiler design.
Recognition and appreciation of appropriate design patterns in the implementation of compiler components.

Key Skills:

An ability to communicate technical information in a scientific fashion.
An understanding of theoretical concepts of compiler design and their practical use.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures enable the students to learn new material related to the above content.
Formative exercises enable students to apply the material from lectures and enhance their understanding.
A summative assignment assesses the application of methods and techniques and the synthesis of the core concepts of the course.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total
lectures	20	1 per week	1 hour	20
preparation and reading				80
total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Summative Assignment		100	No

Formative Assessment

Through example exercises and problem sheets during the course.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.