Module Details

Module Code: SOFT9022
Title: Programming Language Design
Long Title: Programming Language Design
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: Programming languages are an important tool in software development. The knowledge and understanding of their implementation is valuable to design, develop and maintain software systems. Knowing the language features and their implementation allows the software engineer to: evaluate the performance, efficiency, robustness, reliability and security of applications and; choose the most appropriate language to implement an application. In this module, the student will design and implement a language processor using different architectural and design patterns. As part of the module the student will complete a practical software development project that combines areas in software engineering such as formal languages, grammars, automata, software architecture and design, programming, operating systems, computer structure and model-driven development.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Design the main elements of a programming language assigning responsibilities to the different elements of its architecture.
LO2 Select regular expressions and context-free grammars to implement lexers and parsers.
LO3 Design abstract syntax trees with design patterns, considering all the quality principles of software engineering.
LO4 Evaluate the foundations of language semantics and type systems.
LO5 Develop and optimise code from type-annotated abstract syntax trees.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Programming language design
Language, processor, translator, compiler and interpreter. Architecture of language translators. Phases of a compiler. Language Semantics. Front-end and back-end. Analysis and synthesis.
Lexical analysis
Objectives. Concepts. Lexical patterns. Implementation of scanners/lexers. Tools.
Syntax analysis
Objectives. Context-free grammars. Derivations and parse trees. Ambiguous grammars. Parsing strategies. Parser generators. Abstract syntax trees.
Semantic analysis
Language semantics. Objectives. Attribute grammars. Evaluation of attribute grammars. Identification phase (symbol resolution). Type systems and type checking.
Intermediate programming languages and representations
High, medium and low-level intermediate representations. Virtual machines.
Code generation
Introduction. Runtime environments. Memory management. Code generation techniques. Code generation of data structures. Control statements.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Design and implement the analysis phases of a given imperative programming language.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Design and implement the synthesis phases, so that the compiler generates code for a given virtual machine.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent & directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Andrew W. Appel. (2002), Modern compiler implementation in Java, 2nd. Cambridge University Press, p.512, [ISBN: 9780521820608].
  • David A. Watt. (2000), Programming Language Processors in Java: Compilers and Interpreters, 1st. Prentice Hall, p.436, [ISBN: 9780130257864].
  • Alfred V. Aho , Monica S. Lam. (2006), Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools, 2. Addison Wesley, p.1000, [ISBN: 978-032148681].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Keith Cooper, Linda Torczon. (2011), Engineering a Compiler, 2. Morgan Kaufman, p.824, [ISBN: 978-012088478].
  • Kenneth Louden. (1997), Compiler Construction: Principles and Practice, International Edition. Course Technology, p.592, [ISBN: 9780534939724].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Francisco Ortin, Daniel Zapico, Juan M. Cueva. (2007), Design Patterns for Teaching Type Checking in a Compiler Construction Course, IEEE Transactions on Education, 50(3), p.273.
  • William W. Waite. (2006), The compiler course in today's curriculum: three strategies, SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, 2006.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Francisco Ortin, Daniel Zapico, Jose Quiroga, and Miguel Garcia. (2014), Automatic Generation of Object-Oriented Type Checkers, Lecture Notes on Software Engineering, vol. 2, no. 4.
  • Nguyen Viet Cuong. (2015), PhD thesis: Model Transformation Approach to Automated Model Driven Development, Department of Computer Science, Czech Technical University in Prague.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KARIN_9 Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence 1 Elective
CR_KSADE_9 Master of Science in Software Architecture & Design 1 Group Elective 1
CR_KSADE_9 Master of Science in Software Architecture & Design 2 Group Elective 1