Re: Is it just me or...

jaycole@bgn.mindspring.com (Jay Cole) wrote:


>Hi all,


>I've been reading this group regularly for several months, and on and
>off for a year or so. I finally had to ask some questions to the
>populace of comp.compilers.


          I, also. ("Me too!" is a trademark of America On-Line.)


>1) Why isn't a compiler-type class taught in college that deals with
>the applications of compiler techniques in everyday, non-compiler
>design, programs. Maybe imbedded languages, or errant data parsing,
>etc, etc, etc. Although I've never written a 'formal' compiler, I've
>written a embedded selection language, and user interface language, a
>sorting language, etc, etc, etc. Most of these generated machine code
>directly into a code-aliased memory block and then jumped in and went
>to town. It seems to me that your standard CS student is more likely
>to run into this application of compiler theory more than the actual
>writing of 'full' compilers. After 10+ years in CS, I've only met a
>handful of 'real' compiler writers.


          I would like to know why I can't find a good book on compiler
writing that isn't either:
    a) "Here's the source for a Very Tiny <language>." or
    b) a jungle of mathematical notation that is not explained in the
text. (I'm not a mathephobe, but I do like to understand what I
read.)


          Over the years, I have found it very useful to write parsers for
code generators and data converters. Usually, these are front-ends
with little or no understanding of the code they generate. I can't
help feeling that if I could learn some more about the subject that I
would be able to do more.


          Currently, I can design and write DFSAs for simple parsing. I
can construct a parser given a syntax (say in BNF), but I get lost
whenever I try reading about LL<whatever>, how to implement recursive
descent, etc. My syntax scanners are homebrew, not table driven. I
can handle lexical scanning with tables though.


          I suppose you could call me a comp.compilers wannabe.


          Is there any hope that I can find some clear material?


Sincerely,


Gene Wirchenko
--

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