Compiler Design in C 1990

Compiler Design in C 1990 is a seminal book written by Allen Holub that remains a foundational reference for students and professionals alike interested in understanding the intricacies of compiler design. As the title suggests, the book is written in the C programming language, making it accessible to those with a solid foundation in C programming and data structures.

The book takes a comprehensive approach to compiler design, starting with an introduction to the various stages of compilation and the role that each stage plays in transforming source code into executable machine code. From there, the book delves into the nitty-gritty of lexical analysis, syntax analysis, and code generation, with each chapter building upon the concepts introduced in the previous chapter.

One of the strengths of Compiler Design in C 1990 is its emphasis on practical examples and real-world applications. The book includes numerous sample programs and code snippets that illustrate the principles of compiler design in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, the book provides a thorough discussion of optimization techniques and the trade-offs involved in optimizing code for size, speed, or memory usage.

In addition to its practical applications, Compiler Design in C 1990 is also notable for its insights into the theoretical foundations of compiler design. The book includes a detailed discussion of automata theory and the relationship between automata and regular expressions. It also covers the principles of formal language theory, including the Chomsky hierarchy and context-free grammars.

While Compiler Design in C 1990 was first published over three decades ago, its insights and principles remain relevant today. Whether you are a student studying computer science, an experienced programmer looking to expand your knowledge, or a researcher interested in the theoretical underpinnings of compiler design, this book is an essential resource that belongs on your bookshelf.