Introduction to Compilers

A compiler translates the source language code into a target language code. This translation takes place through a number of phases. So, we can structure the compiler as collection or combination of many phases or passes, where each pass performs a single task. This paper outlines the various phases of the compiler and the tools which are used to construct a lexer and a parser. The actions that take place in each and every phase of the compiler are illustrated using an example. The main intention of this paper is to provide an insight into the basic knowledge of a compiler, as well as provide a springboard for a more detailed study on this topic.