Compiler Design Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2225 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Computer Science and Engineering, Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Secrets of How Code Becomes Machine Language
Have you ever wondered how the code you write in Java, Python, or C++ is transformed into instructions a computer's processor can execute? This magic is performed by a compiler, one of the most fundamental and sophisticated tools in computer science. Compilers act as the critical bridge between human-readable programming languages and machine-executable code, making modern software development possible.
For undergraduate students in Computer Science and Engineering, understanding compiler design is not just an academic exercise; it's a deep dive into the core principles of computation, automation, and system efficiency. It's a subject that beautifully marries theory with practical application, making it essential for aspiring software developers, system architects, and researchers.
Your Expert Guide: Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay
This comprehensive course is led by Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay, a distinguished professor in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. With a stellar academic background including a PhD from IIT Kharagpur and extensive teaching experience at premier institutes like IIEST Shibpur and IIT Guwahati, Prof. Chattopadhyay brings immense expertise to the table.
His research spans Digital Design, Embedded Systems, and VLSI testing, and he has authored several authoritative textbooks on Compiler Design and related fields. With over 150 publications and a senior membership in IEEE, learning from him provides an unparalleled opportunity to grasp the subject from a true expert.
What This Compiler Design Course Offers
This 12-week course is meticulously structured to take you from the foundational concepts to the intricate details of code generation and optimization. It's designed specifically for undergraduate students and aligns with the current GATE syllabus, offering dual benefits of core learning and competitive exam preparation.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 12 Weeks
- Level: Undergraduate
- Perfect For: CSE/IT students, B.Sc (Computer Science), MCA, and professionals seeking a solid introduction.
- Industry Relevance: Valued across all software industries.
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
The course is broken down into logical modules, each building upon the previous one to ensure a thorough understanding.
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Overview of compilers, phases, and tools. |
| 2 | Lexical Analysis | Role of the scanner, token generation, regular expressions. |
| 3-5 | Parsing (Part I, II, III) | Syntax analysis, context-free grammars, top-down and bottom-up parsing (LL, LR). |
| 6 | Syntax Directed Translation | Attributing grammar, translation schemes. |
| 7 | Type Checking & Symbol Tables | Semantic analysis, managing identifier information. |
| 8-9 | Runtime Environment (Part I, II) | Storage organization, stack allocation, activation records. |
| 10-12 | Intermediate Code Generation (Part I, II, III) | Three-address code, translation of declarations, control flow, and procedure calls. |
Why You Should Enroll in This Compiler Design Course
This course goes beyond textbook definitions. It connects Automata Theory to practical compiler construction tools and explores how advances in computer architecture influence code generation strategies. You will learn not just the 'what' but the 'how' and 'why' behind every phase of the compilation process.
Whether you aim to crack the GATE exam, build a career in systems programming, or simply want to understand the engineering marvel that translates your `printf` statement into machine actions, this course is your definitive starting point.
Recommended Textbooks
To complement the lectures, Prof. Chattopadhyay recommends two key texts:
- Santanu Chattopadhyay, “Compiler Design”, PHI Learning, 2015. (A contemporary text aligned with the course)
- A.V. Aho, R. Sethi, J.D. Ullman, “Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools” (The Dragon Book). (The classic reference in the field)
Embark on this 12-week journey to demystify one of computer science's most complex and rewarding subjects. By understanding compiler design, you gain a profound insight into the very heart of programming languages and computational efficiency, knowledge that will distinguish you in both academic and professional spheres.
Enroll Now →