Re: Teaching compilers backwards?

Matthew K. wrote:
> It seems like it would be a good idea to me. I recently just started
> learning about compilers, and I did not see a connection between
> lexical scanning and code generation. If you teach the students to
> read in input and translate it in the same pass, then they might
> better see this connection.


I have learned compiler construction the traditional way (first
lexing, then parsing, then tree decoration and code generation). I
saw this as a way to gradually increase the computer's "knowledge"
about a text, and found each step a delightful insight of its
own. This might be a case of personal preference.


Note that teaching compilers in a forward manner can also be presented
in the "spread-the-gap" manner suggested by Albert in his post above,
as follows:


Lexical scanning: searching for words, stemming, simple prettyprinting,
syntax highlighting.
Parsing: searching for structures (declarations), various code
transformations, structure-based prettyprinting.
Decorating: Source-to-source transformations such as refactoring, code
analysis.
Code generation: full compiler.


Regards,
Jo

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