For the actual implementation of a compiler (not design of the language itself), I'd recommend "Modern Compiler Design" by Dick Grune. A lot more practical and

For the actual implementation of a compiler (not design of the language itself), I'd recommend "Modern Compiler Design" by Dick Grune. A lot more practical and readable than the Dragon Book. About the language design itself, you might want to have a look to: http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/so-you-want-to-write-your-own-language/240165488 http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/so-you-want-t... These are very interesting guidelines from Walter Bright, the man behind the D programming language.