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Notre Dame Professor Releases Updated Compiler Textbook

WireByte Staff · July 5, 2026

Professor Douglas Thain at the University of Notre Dame has released the 2nd edition of his free online textbook 'Introduction to Compilers and Language Design'. The book is suitable for undergraduate students with C programming experience and covers compiler construction, including a simple compiler for C-like languages.

Key points

  • Professor Douglas Thain at the University of Notre Dame has released the 2nd edition of 'Introduction to Compilers and Language Design'
  • The book is a free online resource for undergraduate students with C programming experience
  • It covers compiler construction and includes a simple compiler for C-like languages
  • The author grants permission for personal and academic use, but prohibits commercial printing or distribution

Professor Douglas Thain at the University of Notre Dame has made a significant contribution to computer science education by releasing the 2nd edition of his free online textbook 'Introduction to Compilers and Language Design'. This comprehensive resource is designed for undergraduate students with a background in C programming and covers the fundamental concepts of compiler construction.

The book provides a one-semester introduction to compiler design, enabling readers to build a simple compiler for C-like languages that translates into working X86 or ARM assembly language. This is a valuable skill for computer science students, offering insight into various aspects of the field, from theoretical foundations to practical applications.

The author has made the textbook available for free, allowing students to access the PDFs directly or point students to the official website (compilerbook.org). However, commercial printing or distribution is prohibited, ensuring the resource remains accessible to those who need it most.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.