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I don't know what to think of this post. I've definitely learned a whole hell of a lot from my compiler projects, but I don't see the point of turning compilers

by jey 19y ago

I don't know what to think of this post. I've definitely learned a whole hell of a lot from my compiler projects, but I don't see the point of turning compilers into a religion. I wouldn't go around telling people that they have to learn compilers to be a "real programmer", but it does seem like a pretty comprehensive litmus test: if you've written a compiler from scratch, it proves you really do understand something about algorithms, data structures, and systems software. Steve implies "Learn compilers if you want to be a Real Programmer(TM)!", but I'd say: Write a compiler if you want a project that will teach you a lot and will be a lot of fun with interesting challenges along the way.

Leon 19y ago
It's just that writing a compiler requires such a large up front amount of knowledge of how computers work, and teaches you so much more, that it's hard to compare to any other project where you can learn exactly what is happening in a computer and what every line of your code actually does to the operation of the machine you are working on/targeting. Sure other projects you can learn just as much general knowledge, but I'm going to agree with Steve that it's pretty enlightening. I'll also agree that it is a bottomless pit of your time and effort.