Attribute based compiler implemented using visitor pattern

Abstract

In our compiler course for undergraduate students, we use a class of attribute grammars to specify type information, target code, and other properties calculated for the source program. In the design of the compiler, a modification of the visitor design pattern allows us to transparently compute the attributes. Within our framework, implementation is straightforward; the emphasis of the course shifts to theory and specification. In several offerings of the course, students have implemented parts of a highly modular compiler for a small, statically typed object oriented language. Copyright 2004 ACM.