Lec 0: Introduction

Compiler

What is a Compiler

• Def: In computing, a compiler is a computer program that translates computer code written in one programming language(the source language) into another language(the target language)

Why Do We Need Compilers

Reason:

• Because your CPU doesn't understand the high-level languages(Needing tranlation from compiler)

Example:

• A compiler(Ex: gcc, g++), typically translate a high-level language(Source language) into low-level language, as it, assembly code or machine code(Target languge)

Who May Need Knoweledge in the Compiler Design Course?

4 kinds person for who

1. wants to know how the compiler works
   Ex: interseting facts on your error msg

2. wants to design a new language by themselves
   Ex: A new mechanism for compiler on translating

3. wants to optimize the performance of a compiler
   Ex: Parallesism when performing matrix operations

4. wants to design a new CPU/GPU architecture
   Ex: Know how hardware design and compiler technologies affect them.

Text Book

• "Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools", 2/e, Addision Wesley, 2006