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The Structure of a Compiler

It includes the Basic Functional Structure of Compiler

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14 views

The Structure of a Compiler

It includes the Basic Functional Structure of Compiler

Uploaded by

Web Engineer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Structure of a Compiler

The structure of a compiler consists of several parts that work together to translate a high-level
programming language (like C or Java) into machine code that the computer can understand.
Let’s break this down into simple parts:

1. Lexical Analyzer (Scanner)

• What it does: This is the first part of the compiler. It reads the source code character by
character and breaks it into small units called tokens (like keywords, identifiers, operators, etc.).
• Example: If the code is int x = 10;, the tokens would be int, x, =, 10, and ;.

2. Syntax Analyzer (Parser)

• What it does: The syntax analyzer checks if the tokens follow the grammar rules of the
programming language. It builds a structure called a parse tree or syntax tree to represent the
code.
• Example: For the expression x = 10;, the syntax analyzer checks if it’s a valid statement
according to the language’s rules (like a variable being assigned a value).

3. Semantic Analyzer

• What it does: This phase checks if the code makes logical sense. It looks at things like variable
declarations and type checking. For example, it ensures you don’t try to add a number to a
string.
• Example: If you try to do something like int x = "Hello";, the semantic analyzer will show
an error because an integer can't be assigned a string.

4. Intermediate Code Generator

• What it does: This phase converts the syntax tree into an intermediate form that is easier for
the machine to understand. This intermediate code is not the final machine code but is closer to
it.
• Example: The statement x = 10; might be turned into an intermediate code like LOAD 10
into register; STORE it in x.

5. Code Optimizer

• What it does: The optimizer improves the intermediate code to make it more efficient. It tries to
reduce the amount of memory used or speed up the program’s execution.
• Example: If a variable is calculated but never used, the optimizer may remove that unnecessary
calculation.

6. Code Generator
• What it does: This is the final phase where the intermediate code is translated into machine
code (specific instructions that the computer's CPU understands).
• Example: The code x = 10; might be turned into actual machine instructions like moving the
value 10 into a specific memory location for x.

7. Symbol Table

• What it is: A data structure used by the compiler to store information about variables, functions,
objects, etc., during compilation.
• What it does: It helps keep track of variable names, types, and scope, ensuring that each
variable is properly defined and used.

8. Error Handler

• What it does: Throughout the entire compilation process, if there are any errors (syntax errors,
semantic errors, etc.), the error handler identifies and reports them to the programmer.
• Example: If you forget a semicolon or assign a string to an integer, the error handler will catch
these mistakes.

In Summary:

• Lexical Analyzer: Breaks the source code into tokens.


• Syntax Analyzer: Checks if the tokens follow grammar rules.
• Semantic Analyzer: Ensures the code makes logical sense.
• Intermediate Code Generator: Converts the syntax tree into a simpler form.
• Code Optimizer: Improves the code for better performance.
• Code Generator: Produces the final machine code.
• Symbol Table: Keeps track of variables and their information.
• Error Handler: Detects and reports errors in the code.

Each part works together to convert your high-level program into something the computer can
execute!

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