CISC 470: Programming Languages

Catalog Description:
Selection, use and implementation of appropriate language(s) for given problems. Syntax, semantics, pragmatics, parameter passsing and abstract data types.

Current Texts:
Concepts of Programming Languages
R. Sebesta
Addison-Wesley/Bejamin Cummings

Goals:
This is an introductory graduate level course in principles of programming languages. Students learn basic issues in the design and evaluation of classes of programming languages. This course, though not officially a prerequisite, is useful background for CISC 672 Theory of Translators. It is also good preparation for the Programming Languages section of the Ph.D. Preliminary Exam. Course requirements include programming assignments and a term paper.

Content:

• Syntax, semantics, pragmatics
• Block structured languages - scope issues, parameter passing, activation records, data types, exception handling
• Abstract data types -- Ada
• Functional languages -- Lisp
• Object-oriented languages
• Logic programming - Prolog

Required Background: (Logic and Programming) Programming skill in a blo ck structured language and Lisp; an understanding of symbol tables, lists, trees, stacks, queues is assumed (e.g., CISC 220); CISC 310.

Helpful Background: CISC 320. (Algorithm and Advanced Programming)