Compiler Design: Implementing Name Resolution and Scope Rules

Ever wondered how a programming language knows which variable you are referring to when multiple variables share the same name? Building a compiler requires a deep understanding of how names, scopes, and types interact behind the scenes. This course guides you through the fundamental mechanics of name resolution, teaching you how to implement robust scoping rules and symbol tables for custom languages. You will learn to: Understand the foundational concepts of lexical scoping, namespaces, and symbol tables; Implement robust name resolution algorithms to link variable usage with its correct declaration; Manage nested scopes, block-level scoping, and variable shadowing rules; Apply basic type checking and type inference rules during the resolution phase; Handle common compiler errors like duplicate declarations and undeclared identifiers; Practice translating abstract syntax trees (ASTs) into resolved, type-aware structures through written code walk-throughs. You will start with core definitions of compiler phases before diving into step-by-step written exercises that demonstrate how to declare variables, manage lookup tables, and resolve complex naming conflicts. This text-based course is designed for beginner compiler enthusiasts and developers looking to understand language internals, with no prior compiler-writing experience required. Start reading today to unlock the mysteries of programming language design and write code that truly understands types.