Evaluation of simulation systems suitable for teaching compiler construction courses

Instructors find it challenging to teach the compiler construction course, because the course introduces students to several concepts and complex algorithms. Simulation tools enable students to visualize the theoretical concepts, give them a platform for experimentation, and provide them accurate results of their experiments instantaneously. This paper offers a review of 16 simulation systems suitable for teaching the compiler construction course. Evaluation criteria have been defined, and they have been used in the process of evaluation of the selected simulators. The results of the evaluation will be useful to instructors when choosing a simulator suitable for teaching their courses.