How would you build a fully optimized compiler for a new programming language, including lexing, parsing, optimization, and code

Question

Discuss

Answer 1

To build a fully optimized compiler:

Design the Language – Define syntax, semantics, types, and memory model.

Lexing – Convert code into tokens (use FSM for efficiency).

Parsing – Build an AST (use recursive descent or a parser generator).

Semantic Analysis – Check types, scopes, and undefined variables.

IR Generation – Convert AST to an intermediate form (like LLVM IR).

Optimization – Remove dead code, inline functions, and optimize loops.

Code Generation – Translate IR to machine code (use LLVM or custom backend).

Linking – Resolve symbols and create an executable.

Testing & Debugging – Use unit tests, fuzzing, and profiling.

Deployment – Package as an executable or a cross-platform library.

Use C++, Rust, or OCaml for performance, LLVM for code generation, and Bison/ANTLR for parsing.