A project approach to the theory of programming languages

  • Authors:
  • Joan Krone

  • Affiliations:
  • Denison University, Granville, Ohio

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

Most of our current Computer Science students have grown up with the Object Oriented paradigm for writing their programs. Moreover, since the introduction of Java as the course for AP credit, many of our students, even upper level majors, have had much programming experience in only one language. This presents a challenge for those who teach a Theory of Programming Languages course, since one objective is to compare various programming paradigms and different approaches to syntax and semantics and to be able to discuss knowledgably the pros and cons of how various languages address programming issues. Here we see one approach to teaching this course in the context of a student body who are intelligent and capable, but limited in background with respect to language experience.