Teaching computer language handling - from compiler theory to meta-modelling

  • Authors:
  • Terje Gjøsæter;Andreas Prinz

  • Affiliations:
  • Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway;Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway

  • Venue:
  • GTTSE'09 Proceedings of the 3rd international summer school conference on Generative and transformational techniques in software engineering III
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

Most universities teach computer language handling by mainly focussing on compiler theory, although MDA (model-driven architecture) and meta-modelling are increasingly important in the software industry as well as in computer science. In this article, we investigate how traditional compiler theory compares to meta-modelling with regard to formally defining the different aspects of a language, and how we can expand the focus in computer language handling courses to also include meta-model-based approaches. We give an outline of a computer language handling course that covers both paradigms, and share some experiences from running a course based on this outline at the University of Agder.