Making Compiler Design Relevant for Students who will (Most Likely)
Never Design a Compiler
Saumya Debray
Department of Computer Science
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A.
Abstract
Compiler Design courses are a common component of most modern Computer
Science undergraduate curricula.
However, compiler design has become a highly specialized topic,
and it is not clear that a significant number of Computer Science students
will find themselves designing compilers professionally. This paper argues
that the principles, techniques, and tools discussed in compiler design
courses are nevertheless applicable to a wide variety of situations that would
generally not be considered to be compiler design. Generalizing the content
of compiler design courses to emphasize this broader applicability can make
them more relevant to students.