Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Compiler visualization. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta Compiler visualization. Mostrar todas las entradas

lunes, 1 de octubre de 2018

Educational Impact of Syntax Directed Translation Visualization, a Preliminary Study


Damián Nicolalde-Rodríguez & Jaime Urquiza-Fuentes. 2018. 2018 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Lisbon, Portugal, 1 - 4 October 2018.

Abstract: This work studies the effect of using software visualization to teach syntax directed translation, a complex topic within compiler subjects. A trial was conducted with 34 students using LISA as the visualization tool. It was divided in two phases. Firstly, student’s experience during compilers construction labs was studied, comparing LISA versus CUP. All participants used both tools and answered a questionnaire. LISA was scored as more motivational and easier to use. Moreover, key theoretical concepts were better identified with LISA. Secondly, a typical lecture (control group) was compared against a lecture using LISA (treatment group). Students were randomly distributed between both groups and answered a knowledge test following the lectures. Results showed that the treatment group significantly outperformed the control group. However, areas for improvement have been detected even in the treatment group. These improvements could be addressed by enhancing the visualization tool with features to increase student engagement..

jueves, 29 de agosto de 2013

Improving Students’ Performance with Visualization of Error Recovery Strategies in Syntax Analysis

J. Urquiza-Fuentes, F.J. Almeida-Martínez, A. Pérez-Carrasco, J.Á. Velázquez-Iturbide. Journal of Research and Practice in Information Technology, Vol. 45, No. 3/4, August 2013, Pages 237-250

Abstract. Visualization technologies can be used to enhance teaching materials. This work is focused on a complex aspect of syntax analysis, syntax error recovery strategies. Compiler visualization is not a new research field, but the authors have not found any visualization tool dealing with this topic. We have enhanced a parser visualization tool called VAST to produce educational visualizations regarding syntax error recovery strategies. We have evaluated the enhanced version of VAST and its visualizations about syntax error recovery strategies. We have detected that students who used the enhanced tool improved their performance developing syntax specifications with error recovery. Consequently, these students significantly improved their learning outcomes regarding error recovery exercises.




domingo, 26 de junio de 2011

Improving Compilers Education through Symbol Tables Animations

J. Urquiza-Fuentes, F. Manso, J.Á. Velázquez-Iturbide, M. Rubio-Sánchez. 16th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE) 2011, Pages 203-207
Abstract. This paper presents the evaluation of an educational tool focused on the visualization of the symbol table in the context of a compiler course. In a first evaluation we used simulation exercises and tested basic concepts of symbol tables. We detected efficiency improvements, students who used the tool completed the exercises with the same grading and significantly faster than the students who did not use the tool. In addition students' opinion was positive. In a second evaluation we used more active tasks, and tested students' skills on writing parser specifications regarding symbol table management. We have detected significant improvements. Students who used the tool outperformed those who did not use the tool in a 22%.
Open Access Archive at URJC

jueves, 16 de julio de 2009

Syntax Trees Visualization in Language Processing Courses

F.J. Almeida-Martínez, J. Urquiza-Fuentes. Ninth IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT) 2009, Pages 597-601

Abstract. This paper describes the educational tool VAST. We designed VAST to be used in compiler and language processing courses. The current version allows generating and visualizing syntax trees and their construction process. The main advantages of VAST follow: it is designed to be as independent from the parser generator as possible, it allows students to visualize the behaviour of parsers they develop, and it has an interface designed to easily handle huge syntax trees. We describe different ways of using VAST in educational settings as well as a usability evaluation.
Open Access Archive at URJC

jueves, 7 de mayo de 2009

Visualization of Syntax Trees for Language Processing Courses

F.J. Almeida-Martínez, J. Urquiza-Fuentes, J.Á. Velázquez-Iturbide. Journal of Universal Computer Science 15(7), 2009, Pages 1546-1561 

Abstract. This article describes the educational tool VAST. We designed VAST to be used in compiler and language processing courses. The current version allows generat- ing and visualizing syntax trees and their construction process. The main advantages of VAST follow: it is designed to be as independent from the parser generator as possible, it allows students to visualize the behavior of parsers they develop, and it has an inter- face designed to easily handle huge syntax trees. Finally, we describe two satisfactory preliminary evaluations from the usability and educational points of view.