CMinus Compiler

Project Overview #

Developed a complete compiler for CMinus, a simplified subset of the C programming language. The compiler translates source code into intermediate code by implementing the core phases of compilation, including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, and code generation.

Key Features #

• Lexical Analysis: Designed a lexer to tokenize CMinus source code and detect lexical errors.
• Syntax Analysis: Implemented a parser to construct and validate the program structure based on the language grammar.
• Semantic Analysis: Performed scope checking, type validation, and semantic error detection.
• Code Generation: Generated intermediate code for valid CMinus programs.
• Error Handling: Reported lexical, syntax, and semantic errors with informative diagnostics.

Technologies Used #

• Python: Core implementation language.
• Compiler Design: Lexer, Parser, Semantic Analyzer, and Code Generator.
• Context-Free Grammars (CFG): Language grammar specification and parsing.
• Syntax Trees: Internal representation of program structure.
• Intermediate Code Generation: Translation from source code to executable intermediate representation.

Software Architecture #

• Lexer Module: Tokenized input source code into lexical units.
• Parser Module: Constructed parse trees and validated syntax rules.
• Semantic Analyzer: Managed symbol tables, scope resolution, and type checking.
• Code Generator: Produced intermediate instructions for execution.
• Error Reporter: Centralized detection and reporting of compilation errors.

Impact and Applications #

• Compiler Engineering: Demonstrated the complete compilation pipeline from source code to intermediate code.
• Programming Languages: Strengthened understanding of language design and compiler construction.
• Software Engineering: Applied modular architecture for maintainability and extensibility.
• Educational Tool: Serves as a foundation for extending support to additional language features and compiler optimizations.