Class 02: Source and Target Languages

Held Wednesday, January 24, 2001

Summary

Today we'll consider which languages we should use as our source and target language.

Assignments

• Write a small program in the source language we choose today.

Notes

• William (my 5-year old) is sick. I'll be heading home to take care of him immediately after class and won't be available this afternoon. Send me email if you have questions.
• You don't need to do anything to prepare for lab tomorrow.
  • There's a slight chance I'll cancel lab to take care of William.

Overview

• What source langauge?
• What target language?

Source Language

• First Goal: Free-form discussion/debate as to type of source language and general structure of language.
• "Real" language or invented language?
• Complete language or partial language?
• Which paradigm(s)?
• Which features do we want to include (if partial or invented)?
• What will the language look like?

Target Language

• Machine-specific assembler, JVM, or simulated assembly code (we invent, we intepret).
• Advantages and disadvantages of each?