Programming Language Implementation

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

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433-361 Programming Language Implementation

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Good craftsmen know their tools, and compilers are amongst the most important tools that programmers use. There are many ways in which familiarity with compilers helps programmers.

For example, knowledge of semantic analysis helps programmers understand error messages, and knowledge of code generation techniques helps programmers debug problems at assembly language level. The technologies used in compiler development are also useful when implementing other kinds of programs. The concepts and tools used in the analysis phases of a compiler are useful for any program whose input has a structure that is non-trivial to recognize, while those used in the synthesis phases are useful for any program that generates commands for another system. This subject provides an understanding of the main principles of programming language implementation, as well as first hand experience of the application of those principles.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe important concepts and techniques in programming language implementation
• Exploit their knowledge of compilers to be more effective programmers
• Use analysis tools to help implement programs whose input has a structure that is non-trivial to recognize
• Use synthesis tools to help implement programs that generate commands for other programs

• A multi-stage project during the semester (30%), expected to take about 45 hours (addressing ILOs 2, 3 and 4)
• And a 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (70%) (addressing all ILOs)
• To pass the subject, students must obtain: 15/30 in project work and 35/70 in the written examination

TBA

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject students should have the:

• Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
• Ability to manage information and documentation
• Capacity for creativity and innovation