Introduction to Compiler Construction (Hardcover)

by Thomas W. Parsons (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Introduction to Compiler Construction addresses the essential aspects of compiler design at a level that is perfect for today's undergraduate. Working from the basics in Chapter 1, the book provides the clearest, most cohesive treatment of the topic available for the junioror senior-level student. Introduction to Compiler Construction carefully describes how a compiler works; how it is organized; what the terminolop, is; what the major problems are and how thev have been solved. The book presupposes no previous exposure to compiler construction or familiarity with high-level mathematics, automata'theory, or formal languages. Patient coverage, reinforcement of kev information, rational organization, and a variety of problems and exercises will help students understand basic compiler theory, design, and applications. Itilrodtictioii to Coinpiler Constrtictiori features: an introduction to important theoretical concepts when their practical utility is most apparent-showing through concrete examples how theory and practice work togcthcr worked examples of most of the important techniques, with step-by-step commentary

Product Details

• Hardcover: 359 pages
• Publisher: W. H. Freeman (March 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716782618
• ISBN-13: 978-0716782612
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #654,470 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent book, April 19, 2002

By	G. Avvinti (Sicily, Italy) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think Parsons had an intelligent idea in writing this book. Without originality claims (as he point out in the preface) the book is intended to the audience of novices, with the clear target of explaining in great details compilers principles. As he says in the preface, the objective is to prepare the reader for more advanced lectures, and he explicitly mention the reference book as an example: Aho-Sethi-Ullman's "Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools", a.k.a the Dragon book.

The approach is quite theoretical and principles-centered, just as the Dragon book is. But Parsons departs from this in the writing style: It is definitely straightforward. He sacrifices the scope of the book in favor of clarity: he took the core of books like the Dragon, and expanded this core to a well appreaciable extent. It comes over and over again on more awkward concepts with detailed examples.
Reading the Dragon is not extremely difficult, but requires time. No question that doing it after Parsons' is another thing, absolutely. In this, he succeeded perfectly in its objective.

The price is definitely not exaggerated (especially for the paperback version), and adding this to the book's quality, should not let think twice in buying it.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parson really explains it, January 7, 2002

By	Dr R M. Siegfried (Garden City, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a computer science professor and have taught compiler construction for several years. Parsons teaches the material the way it ought to be. He is clear and concise without leaving out any of the essential material.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 16, 2005

By	Fabio F. Nascimento "Fábio Figueiredo Nascimento" (Manaus, AM Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excelent book! The author approaches the subject in concise and objective way clearly allowing to an agreement to more complex topics of the construction of compilers.

In my opinion, only one deeper treatment would have to be given to the symbol table.

The strong point of the book is the clarity and efficiency with that the analysis bottom up is dealt, what it takes the reader to the perfect knowledge of the LALR parser.