Analysis-phase

The Analysis phase of the compiler design process is the first step in transforming source code into machine code. During this phase, the compiler analyzes the source code to determine its structure, meaning, and context. The goal of the analysis phase is to extract all the necessary information from the source code and prepare it for further processing.

The main activities that occur during the Analysis phase include:

Lexical Analysis

This involves breaking down the source code into smaller units, called tokens, and recognizing the basic elements of the language such as keywords, identifiers, and symbols. This is accomplished using a lexical analyzer, also known as a scanner.

Syntax Analysis

This involves verifying that the source code conforms to the grammar and syntax of the language being used. This is accomplished using a syntax analyzer, also known as a parser. The parser uses a grammar specification to identify the structure of the source code and ensure that it follows the correct syntax.

Semantic Analysis

This involves analyzing the source code to determine its meaning, including the types of variables, the scope of variables, and the relationships between different parts of the source code. This information is used to check for semantic errors and to generate an intermediate representation of the source code that can be optimized and translated into machine code.

The Analysis phase is a critical step in the compiler design process, as it sets the stage for the subsequent phases of optimization, code generation, and debugging. Any errors that occur during the Analysis phase can have serious consequences for the quality of the final output, so it is important to take care to thoroughly analyze the source code at this stage.