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Compilers — LowLevelCraft

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Compilers

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Compilers

The core compiler construction pipeline — from source to executable. Master lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, code generation, and optimizations.

~3285 Minutes 73 Challenges 9 Subtracks

Deep Dive

How a Compiler Actually Translates Your Code

A compiler is a pipeline of distinct transformations. Each stage is simpler than the whole, and each is where subtle bugs originate. Understanding the stages makes you a better programmer.

9 min read·Read article →

Subtracks (9)

Lexical Analysis

Learn to break source code into tokens - the fundamental building blocks of compilation. Master tokenization, pattern matching, and error recovery.

Syntax Analysis

Build parsers that understand program structure. Implement recursive descent parsing and construct Abstract Syntax Trees.

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Difficulty Progression

Easy8

Med33

Hard32

Inflection Point32 hard tasks ahead — take your time and refer to the article deep dives for context.

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Semantic Analysis

Master semantic analysis: type checking, symbol tables, and error reporting. Learn how compilers verify program meaning beyond syntactic correctness.

8 tasks

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Intermediate Representation

Learn about Intermediate Representation (IR) - the bridge between source code and machine code. Master three-address code, SSA form, control flow graphs, and data flow analysis.

Code Generation

Transform intermediate representation into executable machine code. Master three-address code generation, x86 assembly output, control flow, and function calling conventions.

Optimizations

Transform code for better performance while preserving semantics. Master constant folding, dead code elimination, register allocation, peephole optimizations, and basic block analysis.

Linkers & Loaders

Understand how object files are linked and executables are loaded. Master object file formats, symbol tables, relocation, static and dynamic linking, loaders, memory layout, and shared libraries.

JIT Compilation

Learn about Just-In-Time compilation and runtime code generation. Master basic JIT, register allocation, optimizations, IR design, tiered compilation, deoptimization, and self-hosting.

Garbage Collection

Learn about automatic memory management and garbage collection algorithms. Master mark-and-sweep, copying collection, generational GC, write barriers, reference counting, concurrent GC, and conservative collection.