ComVIS—Interactive simulation environment for compiler learning

Simulation‐based learning tools have become commonly used at all levels of education. They are recognized as an effective means of studying complex and systems. In traditional teaching of compiler concepts, students are incapable of visualizing theoretical constructions, while the use of simulation systems represents an excellent blend of theoretical and practical experience. This paper describes a software system for visualization and simulation of basic compiler concepts and algorithms. The simulation tool enables students to visualize the operation of finite automata, convert a regular expression into deterministic finite automata (DFA) or nondeterministic finite automata, and simulate Thompson's construction algorithm. The process of constructing the LL(0) and LR(1) parsing tables is represented as a step‐by‐step simulation, with the user receives feedback on the correctness of each step before moving on to the next. The system is capable of calculating the FIRST and FOLLOW sets, graphically representing DFA, and constructing the corresponding parsing table. This tool provides a module for visualizing the process of machine code generation.