Modern Compiler Implementation in ML

Describes all phases of a modern compiler, including current techniques in code generation and register allocation, for imperative, functional, and object oriented languages.

This textbook explains all phases of a modern compiler: lexical analysis, parsing, abstract syntax, semantic actions, intermediate representations, instruction selection via tree matching, dataflow analysis, graph-colouring register allocation with coalescing, and runtime systems. It covers current techniques in code generation and register allocation, as well as functional and object-oriented languages. The author illustrates the most accepted and successful techniques in a concise way, rather than as an exhaustive catalogue of every possible variant. Detailed descriptions of the interfaces between the modules of a compiler are illustrated with actual ML signatures. A unique feature of the book is a well-designed compiler implementation project in ML, including front-end and 'high-tech' back-end phases, so that students can build a complete working compiler in one semester. The textbook is meant for use in a one-semester first course for undergraduates in compiler design. Accompanying software is available.