Codesmith

Life, Or Something Like It
2004-09-01 02:29:33 (UTC)

To Slay a Dragon ...

It's 0831, Thursday. 1023pm. It's dark out. Skies are
clear ... for once. I don't see any stars but that's
probably because I have the windows covered.

Classes went well. Although I think I might have problems
with compiler. The almighty god of computer science is
teaching that class. The sarcasm, I don't think it's
evident in my words.

We're going to learn to construct and make a compiler. It
is ... how did he phrase it? "The most macho thing you
could do in computer science." Yes. I would have to agree.

A compiler is basically a piece of software that can
compile source code into machine code. The better word
might be translater. So basically, I'm going to write a
program that can control the way someone else's code gets
converted into executable code.

Although I think the class isn't really necessary, I feel
that I have to try to get through it. For ego sake. It's
going to require alot of work on my part. More work than
I've ever allocated to anything in my life. This might be
a problem.

The level of the class is quite beyond anything I've ever
gone through. It's literally the hardest class of the
department. There can't be any doubt in me. I have to make
this work.

On a side note, the most popular book in compiler design
and construction was this book called, "The Dragon Book".
It was written some 20 years ago when I was still in grade
school. Supposedly, everyone who is serious about compiler
design owns a copy on their shelves. The only other book
that was suppose to best the Dragon was this other book
written by Appel. I can't recall the name. I think it's
something like Compiler with Java or something. It's
required reading.

I'm exhausted. So I think I'll head to bed now, ... and
try to get some sleep.




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