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Semantic Analysis and Intermediate Code Generation

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Semantic Analysis and Intermediate Code Generation

This course is part of Build Your Own Programming Language Specialization

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

Included with Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Design the syntax and semantics for a new programming language based on specific requirements.
Develop scanners and parsers to process and analyze source code effectively.
Implement practical code generation techniques, including targeting bytecode, native code, and transpiling to other languages.

Details to know

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Build Your Own Programming Language Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Master the core techniques of semantic analysis and learn how to generate intermediate code for your programming language. This course covers symbol tables, type checking, and the translation of high-level constructs into intermediate representations.

In this course, you will delve into the semantic aspects of programming language implementation, including the management of symbol tables, variable scoping, and type checking for variables, arrays, and method calls. The course also introduces the principles and practices of generating intermediate code, preparing you to bridge the gap between language syntax and executable code. By completing this course, you will be able to implement robust semantic analysis and produce intermediate representations for your own language. The course combines conceptual explanations with practical examples and quizzes to reinforce understanding of semantic analysis and code generation. Learners will develop the skills needed to ensure program correctness and to translate language constructs into intermediate code. This course is part two of a three-course Specialization designed to build a complete and cohesive understanding of the subject. While it offers valuable skills on its own, you'll gain the most benefit by progressing through all three courses as a structured learning journey. This course is based on Build Your Own Programming Language, by Clinton L. Jeffery.

This module explores the role of symbol tables in compilers, focusing on managing identifiers, handling scope, and detecting errors like undeclared or redeclared variables. Learners will gain practical skills in constructing, populating, and debugging symbol tables for various programming scenarios.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

8 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Introduction5 minutes
Assigning and Dereferencing Variables4 minutes
Creating and Populating Symbol Tables for Each Scope6 minutes
Defining Classes for Symbol Tables and Symbol Table Entries5 minutes
Populating Symbol Tables4 minutes
Checking for Undeclared Variables6 minutes
Handling Package and Class Scopes in Unicon6 minutes
Testing and Debugging Symbol Tables4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Symbol Tables and Scoping in Programming Languages16 minutes

This module explores the fundamentals of type checking in programming languages, covering type representation, type assignment, and the distinction between compile-time and runtime checks. It also examines how type information is stored and used during semantic analysis, with examples from languages like Unicon and Jzero. Learners will gain insight into how type systems contribute to code reliability and safety.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

5 readingsTotal 28 minutes

Introduction5 minutes
Subclassing the Base Class for Complex Types4 minutes
Assigning Type Information to Declared Variables5 minutes
Determining the Type at Each Syntax Tree Node10 minutes
Runtime Type Checks and Type Inference in Unicon4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Principles and Mechanisms of Base Type Checking16 minutes

This module explores advanced type-checking techniques for arrays, method calls, and object structures in a restricted Java subset. Learners will gain a deep understanding of how to validate complex type interactions and ensure type safety in program constructs. The module focuses on practical implementation strategies for syntax tree analysis and semantic validation.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

6 readingsTotal 31 minutes

Introduction6 minutes
Checking Types During Array Accesses7 minutes
Checking the Types at Each Method Call Site4 minutes
Checking the Type at Return Statements5 minutes
Checking Types at Instance Creation4 minutes
Checking Types of Instance Accesses5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Type Checking for Arrays, Method Calls, and Structures16 minutes

This module explores the process of generating intermediate code, including how to define and implement intermediate code structures, manage memory regions, and handle control flow. Learners will gain practical skills in translating high-level program constructs into machine-independent instructions and understand the role of temporary variables and labels in code generation.

What's included

1 video7 readings2 assignments

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

7 readingsTotal 38 minutes

Introduction4 minutes
Learning About the Memory Regions in the Generated Program4 minutes
Introducing Data Types for Intermediate Code6 minutes
Generating Labels and Temporary Variables5 minutes
An Intermediate Code Instruction Set6 minutes
Generating Code for Expressions3 minutes
Generating Code for Control Flow10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Semantic Analysis and Intermediate Code Generation Final Assessment24 minutes
Core Concepts in Intermediate Code Generation16 minutes

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Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors

Packt

2,258 Courses683,073 learners

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Packt

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.