Comparative analysis of simulation system for teaching compilers

Stamenković, Srećko; Jovanović, Nenad

doi:10.5937/bizinfo1902001s

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…However, in the last few years, an increased amount of effort was made so as to develop a more sophisticated simulation software. There is a number of compiler simulators, ranging from simple tools with limited features to powerful multipurpose tools that offer a structured and interactive educational environment [22].…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

ComVIS—Interactive simulation environment for compiler learning

Jovanović

Stamenković

Miljković

et al. 2021

Comput Appl Eng Educ

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Simulation‐based learning tools have become commonly used at all levels of education. They are recognized as an effective means of studying complex and abstract systems. In traditional teaching of compiler concepts, students are incapable of visualizing theoretical constructions, while the use of simulation systems represents an excellent blend of theoretical and practical experience. This paper describes a software system for visualization and simulation of basic compiler concepts and algorithms. The simulation tool enables students to visualize the operation of finite automata, convert a regular expression into deterministic finite automata (DFA) or nondeterministic finite automata, and simulate Thompson's construction algorithm. The process of constructing the LL(0) and LR(1) parsing tables is represented as a step‐by‐step simulation, with the user receives feedback on the correctness of each step before moving on to the next. The system is capable of calculating the FIRST and FOLLOW sets, graphically representing DFA, and constructing the corresponding parsing table. This tool provides a module for visualizing the process of machine code generation.

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Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

ComVIS—Interactive simulation environment for compiler learning

Jovanović

Stamenković

Miljković

et al. 2021

Comput Appl Eng Educ

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…To improve traditional teaching in many areas of CS, visualization tools, animation systems, simulators, and other educational software are productively used to illustrate and visualize abstract concepts [26]. Algorithm animation systems have been proposed in many studies for learning complex algorithms [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching concepts related to finite automata using ComVis

Jovanović¹,

Miljković²,

Stamenković³

et al. 2020

Comp Applic In Engineering

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This paper describes educational software for visualization and finite automata simulation. The system was developed in Java programming language, and its main purpose is learning process improvement. Using this software, finite automata can be defined in a graphical editor in the form of a state diagram, or by defining the transition function using the transition table. Upon defining an automaton, it is possible to run a visual simulation of the automaton operation for an arbitrary input string, whereby a textual description of the automaton simulation is also obtained. Furthermore, the system allows for conversion of regular expressions to deterministic finite automata and nondeterministic finite automata. The simulation of Thompson's construction algorithm is implemented, so that transformation of a regular expression to the corresponding NFA can be monitored in a step‐by‐step process. The quantitative analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the simulator are based on a survey of undergraduate students at two universities. The majority of students found the tool a useful means for better understanding and mastering of finite automata concepts.

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Evaluation of simulation systems suitable for teaching compiler construction courses

Stamenković¹,

Jovanović²,

Chakraborty

2020

Comp Applic In Engineering

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Instructors find it challenging to teach the compiler construction course, because the course introduces students to several abstract concepts and complex algorithms. Simulation tools enable students to visualize the theoretical concepts, give them a platform for experimentation, and provide them accurate results of their experiments instantaneously. This paper offers a review of 16 simulation systems suitable for teaching the compiler construction course. Evaluation criteria have been defined, and they have been used in the process of evaluation of the selected simulators. The results of the evaluation will be useful to instructors when choosing a simulator suitable for teaching their courses.

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Comparative analysis of simulation system for teaching compilers

Cited by 5 publications

References 36 publications

ComVIS—Interactive simulation environment for compiler learning

ComVIS—Interactive simulation environment for compiler learning

Teaching concepts related to finite automata using ComVis

Evaluation of simulation systems suitable for teaching compiler construction courses

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