mikaoj

I know that a Compiler-Compiler is a parser generator.
But I meant something special with Compiler-Compiler.
I could set the word in qoutation marks.

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Heh.

jim mcnamara

Alfred Aho is the best source on designing and building compilers.
This is written in English, I don't know of any translations:
'Compilers' by Alfred V Aho, et al

It is a VERY good book - you can get a used copy for under $US 20.

He has a new book out '21st Century compilers' - which I have not read.

Arevos

Not quite; a compiler-compiler means just that. The problem is that many parser generators are misnamed as compiler-compilers, due to historical reasons. I just mentioned it to make sure people didn't get the idea that programs like YACC or JavaCC were anything more than parser generators.
What did you mean, then?

mikaoj

A Compiler especially made to make new Compilers.
I'll someday try to write something like that.
I call it Compiler-Compiler.

I think I have read somewhere that Pascal was written for this kind of programming.

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Heh.

Arevos

I don't think a true compiler-compiler has ever been made. Compilers are too syntax-dependant to be automatically generated.

SittingDuck

Compiler-compiler? Lazybones.

Arevos

Being lazy is a desirable habit for any programmer. No point in reinventing the wheel, after all

DaWei

Unproductiveness gained by the use of the wrong tool, or the right tool in the wrong way, has as much value as that gained by sitting on the secretary's desk and flirting. Which is to say, none; The latter is more fun and has, at least, a proper motive.

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Abstraction doesn't make it impossible to write bad code; it makes it possible to write superior code.
Contributor's Corner: Grumpy on C++ Exceptions DaWei on Pointers

MBirchmeier

<off topic>
There is always value to be gained by using duct tape to fix something
</off topic>

I bet you could make a true compiler compiler for a context free grammar rather easily. By specifing a format in which to produce a grammatical construct, then in line specifying it with code necessary to execute said gramatical construct a true compiler compiler could be created.

-MBirchmeier

Arevos

You seem to be describing a parser generator, rather than a piece of software that works out how to compile a piece of code based only on its syntax and the desired result.

If we take the phrase "compiler compiler" literally, then it is merely a software that compiles compilers. In other words; a compiler. However, the phrase implies that the software is somehow specifically designed for compiling compilers. Perhaps some manner of optimisation takes place, that is crucial for compiling. Or perhaps, given a set of rules, the software works out a compilation algorithm on its own.

Bleh, but it's pointless arguing over something that doesn't exist. Suffice to say that when people say "compiler compiler", usually they mean parser generators, not anything which actually compiles source code. I emphasised the misnomer only to make sure that people don't think that "compiler compilers" will help them write software that turns a parsed syntax tree into machine code.