Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Writing Compilers and Interpreters summary
Ronald Mak
Brief summary
Writing Compilers and Interpreters by Ronald Mak is a comprehensive guide that delves into the theory and practice of building language processors. It covers topics such as lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, and optimization.
Topics
Table of Contents
Writing Compilers and Interpreters
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Compiler and Interpreter Basics
In Writing Compilers and Interpreters by Ronald Mak, we delve into the world of programming languages. The book begins by explaining the fundamental difference between compilers and interpreters. A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code, whereas an interpreter executes the source code line by line. This distinction sets the stage for the book's subsequent discussions on the design, implementation, and optimization of compilers and interpreters.
Mak lays out the basic structure of a compiler, comprising of a front end, middle end, and back end. The front end analyzes the source code, checking for syntax errors and generating intermediate code. The middle end optimizes this intermediate code, while the back end generates the target code. We learn that the front end is language-specific, the middle end is independent of the source language, and the back end is target-specific.
Lexical Analysis and Syntax Parsing
The book then delves into the nitty-gritty of lexical analysis and syntax parsing. Lexical analysis involves breaking the source code into tokens or lexemes, while syntax parsing checks the arrangement of these tokens against the grammar rules of the language. Mak introduces us to tools like Lex and Yacc, which automate these processes, making it easier to develop a compiler.
He then discusses the different types of parsing techniques, including top-down and bottom-up parsing. He also introduces recursive descent parsing, a technique that closely resembles the grammar rules of a language and is relatively easy to implement.
Intermediate Code Generation and Optimization
After syntax parsing, we move on to intermediate code generation and optimization. Intermediate code is a low-level representation of the source code that is independent of the source and target languages. Mak explains the importance of generating efficient intermediate code and introduces various optimization techniques such as constant folding, common subexpression elimination, and loop optimization.
He also discusses the concept of register allocation, a critical aspect of back-end optimization. Register allocation involves mapping variables to processor registers to minimize memory access and improve the performance of the target code.
Code Generation and Advanced Topics
In the subsequent chapters, the book covers the actual generation of target code. Here we learn about the various issues involved in code generation, including instruction selection, memory allocation, and stack management. Mak also discusses advanced topics such as garbage collection, exception handling, and runtime environments.
Finally, the book concludes with a discussion on interpreters. Mak explains how interpreters differ from compilers and provides a step-by-step guide on building a simple interpreter. He also discusses the pros and cons of interpreters compared to compilers, helping the reader understand when to use each approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Writing Compilers and Interpreters by Ronald Mak is a comprehensive guide to understanding and building compilers and interpreters. It provides a solid foundation in the theory of compiler design and implementation, and the practical application of these concepts. By using a clear, step-by-step approach and providing numerous examples, the book makes a complex subject accessible to readers interested in understanding the inner workings of programming languages.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Writing Compilers and Interpreters about?
Writing Compilers and Interpreters by Ronald Mak is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricate world of compiler and interpreter design. It provides a detailed explanation of the theory behind these language translation tools and offers practical examples in C++ to help readers understand the concepts. Whether you're a computer science student or a professional developer, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to create your own compilers and interpreters.
Writing Compilers and Interpreters Review
Writing Compilers and Interpreters (2009) is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex world of programming languages. Here's why this book stands out:
- It offers a comprehensive overview of how compilers and interpreters work, guiding readers through intricate concepts with clarity and depth.
- The book provides practical examples that help solidify understanding, making it easier for readers to grasp and apply the principles discussed.
- With its engaging explanations and challenging exercises, this book ensures that the topic remains intellectually stimulating and far from dull.
Who should read Writing Compilers and Interpreters?
Computer science students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of compilers and interpreters
Software developers interested in creating their own programming languages or domain-specific languages
Individuals who want to explore the inner workings of programming languages and gain insights into language design
Categories with Writing Compilers and Interpreters
Book summaries like Writing Compilers and Interpreters
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Writing Compilers and Interpreters FAQs
What is the main message of Writing Compilers and Interpreters?
The main message of Writing Compilers and Interpreters is understanding compiler and interpreter design principles.
How long does it take to read Writing Compilers and Interpreters?
Reading Writing Compilers and Interpreters takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is Writing Compilers and Interpreters a good book? Is it worth reading?
Writing Compilers and Interpreters is worth reading for its in-depth coverage of compiler and interpreter concepts.
Who is the author of Writing Compilers and Interpreters?
The author of Writing Compilers and Interpreters is Ronald Mak.
What to read after Writing Compilers and Interpreters?
If you're wondering what to read next after Writing Compilers and Interpreters, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly