Scribd
Upload
3 views2 pages

Phases of Compiler

A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming code into low-level machine code for execution by a computer's CPU. The compilation process involves multiple phases including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation, ultimately producing an executable program or library. Compilers also manage symbol tables, handle errors, and may involve linking for multi-source programs.

Uploaded by

fsundas959
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views2 pages

Phases of Compiler

A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming code into low-level machine code for execution by a computer's CPU. The compilation process involves multiple phases including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation, ultimately producing an executable program or library. Compilers also manage symbol tables, handle errors, and may involve linking for multi-source programs.

Uploaded by

fsundas959
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

What is compiler?

A compiler is a type of software tool used in computer programming that translates high-level
programming code written by humans into low-level machine code that a computer's central
processing unit (CPU) can understand and execute. In essence, a compiler serves as an
intermediary between the programmer and the computer's hardware.

Here's how a compiler works:

1. Input: The input to a compiler is the source code written by a programmer in a high-level
programming language like C, C++, Java, or Python.

2. Compilation: The compiler analyzes the source code in multiple phases, including
lexical analysis (breaking the code into tokens), syntax analysis (ensuring the code follows
the language's grammar rules), and semantic analysis (checking for logical errors).

3. Intermediate Representation: In some cases, the compiler generates an intermediate


representation of the code, which is a more abstract and machine-independent form. This
representation allows for optimizations and portability across different computer
architectures.

4. Optimization: The compiler may perform various optimizations on the code to make it
more efficient. These optimizations can include removing redundant code, reordering
instructions, and minimizing memory usage.

5. Code Generation: The most critical phase of compilation involves generating the target
machine code. This code is specific to the computer's architecture and consists of a series of
low-level instructions that the CPU can directly execute.

6. Output: The compiler produces an output file, which could be an executable program, a
shared library, or an intermediate file, depending on the programming language and the
compiler's configuration.

Once the compilation process is complete, the resulting machine code can be executed
directly by the computer without the need for the original source code. This allows for faster
and more efficient execution of the program.

The Phases of compiler

1. Lexical Analysis (Scanner): This is the first phase of compilation. The input source
code is broken down into a sequence of tokens, which are the smallest meaningful units like
keywords, identifiers, constants, and operators. Lexical analysis removes whitespace and
comments.
2. Syntax Analysis (Parser): In this phase, the compiler checks the syntax of the source
code to ensure it follows the rules of the programming language's grammar. It constructs a
parse tree or abstract syntax tree (AST) to represent the hierarchical structure of the code.

3. Semantic Analysis: The compiler checks for semantic errors in this phase. It ensures
that variables are declared before use, enforces type compatibility rules, and performs other
checks related to the meaning of the code. This phase often involves building a symbol table
to keep track of variables and their attributes.

4. Intermediate Code Generation: Some compilers generate an intermediate


representation of the code. This intermediate code is more abstract and independent of the
target machine. It allows for optimizations and facilitates code generation for different
architectures.

5. Optimization: Compilers may apply various optimization techniques to improve the


efficiency of the generated code. Common optimizations include constant folding, dead code
elimination, and loop optimizations.

6. Code Generation: This phase translates the intermediate code or the abstract syntax
tree into the machine code of the target computer architecture. It takes into account the
specific hardware and instruction set of the target machine.

7. Symbol Table Management: Throughout the compilation process, the compiler


maintains a symbol table to keep track of identifiers (variables, functions, etc.) and their
attributes (data types, memory addresses, etc.). This table is used during semantic analysis
and code generation.

8. Error Handling: The compiler identifies and reports errors in the source code, such as
syntax errors, semantic errors, or warnings. Error messages help programmers correct their
code.

9. Linking (for multi-source programs): In cases where multiple source code files are
used, a linker may be involved. The linker resolves references between different modules or
object files, ensuring that functions and variables are correctly connected.

10. Output Generation: The final machine code or executable program is generated by
the compiler. This output can be an executable file, a shared library, or an intermediate
representation, depending on the compiler and its purpose.

You might also like