Application of Web-based Visual Compiler to Computer Education

Abstract

This paper reports demonstration and application of web-based Visual Compiler to practical computer education. Our Compiler can run on major browsers of various operating systems because it is implemented in HTML5 and JavaScript. It can provide educational visualization for the internal processing of the compiler. One of the purposes of this educational tool is to promote understanding of language processing and behavior of compiler from C-like compiler language into pseudo assembly language. Its internal structure is composed of the following four parts: input part for Replacehigh-level programmingcompiler language statements, lexical analyzer, syntax analyzer, and code generator. Our compiler supports the following practical computer education together with CPU simulator: 1) visualization of compiling process from compiler language into related assembly code graphically, 2) illustration of executing process of each assembly instruction by CPU simulator, and 3) verification that user writing compiler language program can be computed and correctly terminated by CPU. We have demonstrated example lecture of computer education with our compiler and carried out questionnaire about lecture with compiler. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of our compiler has been affirmatively performed by means of positive results of questionnaire about our education.