6533b855fe1ef96bd12b0a2e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

subject

description

Published version of a chapter in the book: Generative and Transformational Techniques in Software Engineering III. Also available from the publisher at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-18023-1_14 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.