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Introduction to Language Processors:
• Language processors are software that translate programs written in high-level languages
into machine code.
• They enable computers to understand and execute programs.
Types of language processors include:
- Compilers
- Interpreters
- Assemblers
2. What is a Compiler?
• A compiler is a program that translates source code from a high-level programming language
into machine code or intermediate code.
• It performs analysis, optimization, and code generation.
• Compilation typically occurs before program execution.
Key roles of a compiler:
- Translate source code
- Detect errors
- Optimize code for performance
3. What is an Interpreter?
• An interpreter directly executes instructions written in a programming or scripting language
without requiring them to be compiled into machine code first.
• It translates code line-by-line or statement-by-statement.
Advantages:
- Immediate execution
- Easier debugging
Disadvantages:
• - Slower execution compared to compiled code
4. What is an Assembler?
• An assembler converts assembly language code into machine code.
• Assembly language is a low-level programming language closer to machine code but easier for
humans to read.
5. Why Language Processors are Important?
• They bridge the gap between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions.
• Allow programmers to write in abstract, high-level languages.
• Enable portability of software across different hardware platforms.
• Improve program efficiency through optimization.
• Support development of complex software systems.
6. Basic Structure of a Compiler
A typical compiler consists of several phases:
1. Lexical Analysis (Scanner)
2. Syntax Analysis (Parser)
3. Semantic Analysis
4. Intermediate Code Generation
5. Code Optimization
6. Code Generation
• Each phase transforms the program representation closer to executable code.
7. Lexical Analysis?
• Also called scanning.
• Converts the sequence of characters in source code into tokens.
• Tokens are meaningful sequences like keywords, identifiers, operators.
• Removes whitespace and comments.
• Detects invalid tokens.
• Output: Token stream.
8. Syntax Analysis
• Also called parsing.
• Analyzes tokens against grammar rules of the programming language.
• Builds a parse tree or syntax tree representing program structure.
• Detects syntax errors.
• Output: Parse tree or Abstract Syntax Tree (AST).
9. Semantic Analysis
• Checks semantic consistency of the program.
• Ensures correct data types, variable declarations, scope rules.
• Performs type checking and detects semantic errors.
• Output: Annotated syntax tree.
10. Intermediate Code Generation
• Generates an intermediate representation (IR) of the source program.
• IR is easier to optimize and translate to target machine code.
• Examples: Three-address code, quadruples.
• Serves as a bridge between analysis and final code generation.
11. Code Optimization
• Improves intermediate code to make it more efficient.
• Removes redundant calculations, simplifies expressions.
• Reduces execution time or memory usage.
• Can be machine-independent or machine-dependent.
• Goal: Better runtime performance.
12. Code Generation
• Converts optimized intermediate code into target machine code or assembly.
• Allocates registers, generates machine instructions.
• Produces executable code.
• Output: Object code or machine code.
13. Compiler Structure Diagram
• The compiler is structured into the following main components:
• - Lexical Analyzer
• - Syntax Analyzer
• - Semantic Analyzer
• - Intermediate Code Generator
• - Code Optimizer
• - Code Generator
• Each component processes the output of the previous stage.
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