Simple Language to C Compiler

This is a project for a compilers course that implements a source-to-source compiler. It takes programs written in a custom, simple language and translates them into equivalent, runnable C code. It is built using Flex and Bison.

Language Features

• Data Types: int, float, bool, string
• Variables: Multi-character names (e.g., my_var, counter_1).
• Declarations: Variables must be declared with their type before use (e.g., int x;). All variables are currently global.
• Assignments: variable = expression;
• Functions:
  • Declaration: return_type func function_name(param1, param2) { ... }
  • Return: Use the return statement to return a value from a function.
  • Calls: Standard function call syntax function_name(arg1, arg2).
• Control Flow:
  • if (condition) { ... } else { ... } statements.
  • while (condition) { ... } loops.
  • for (init; condition; increment) { ... } loops.
  • spidey (expression) { ... } statements (equivalent to switch).
    • 3mk value: { ... } (equivalent to case).
    • otherwise: { ... } (equivalent to default).
    • cut; (equivalent to break).
• Expressions: Arithmetic (+, -, *, /) and relational (==, !=, <, >, <=, >=) operators are supported.
• Statement Blocks: Code can be grouped into blocks using curly braces { ... }.
• Printing: The print statement can be used to output the value of any expression.
• Comments: Single-line comments starting with // are supported.

How to Build and Use the Compiler

Easy Mode (Recommended)

A PowerShell script run_lang.ps1 is provided to automate the entire compilation and execution process. It will place all generated files in an out/ directory.

1. Build the Compiler: If you haven't already, build the compiler once:

   win_bison -d compiler.y
   win_flex compiler.l
   gcc compiler.tab.c lex.yy.c -o my_compiler.exe

2. Run Your Code: Use the script to compile and run any of your .txt source files.

   ./run_lang.ps1 test_spidey.txt

Manual Compilation

If you prefer to run the steps manually:

1. Prerequisites: Ensure you have Flex, Bison, and a C compiler (like GCC) installed.

2. Compile the Compiler: Run the following commands in your terminal to build my_compiler.exe:

   win_bison -d compiler.y
   win_flex compiler.l
   gcc compiler.tab.c lex.yy.c -o my_compiler.exe

3. Translate Your Code to C: Use the compiled compiler to translate a source file (e.g., test.txt) into C code. This will generate an output.c file.

   ./my_compiler.exe test.txt

4. Compile and Run the C Output: Use a C compiler (like GCC) to compile the generated output.c into a final executable, and then run it.

   gcc output.c -o output.exe
   ./output.exe