[RESOLVED] Selecting the project

[akhileshbc]

A friend of mine is about to do the academic major project in C and is about to create a compiler using C. And her instructor told the group that they would be able to get it done in time. But the team is a bit confused whether it would take more time or whether it would end in vain.

Guys, what do you think ? Will it be a good choice to create a compiler in C. Or it would be better to go with an Android project. Probably, a game or something ?

Thanks in advance

[akhileshbc]

Thanks

That means green flag to the "compiler project". Isn't it ? I'll let her know.

[dilettante]

Shoot, when I took Computer Science we had to create both a simple compiler and a simple operating system.

The OS requirements were fairly simple and the target machine was a simulated, simpler form of the mainframe we were using. The compiler was a lot more challenging and was done over 3 quarters (two semesters in other schools). It had to compile on and target the actual hardware and OS.

The compiler was allowed to be a combination of Fortran IV and assembly language. Of course the OS on simulated hardware had to be written using the cross-assembler that was available, there was no high-level language option there.


Even more fun, it was all done using punched cards. There was an online system and terminals but a CS major was never allotted enough computer time to even think about that. Online editing, compiling, etc. were expensive and a day or two of work would easily drain your whole quarter's account balance.

Even working in batch most people used the computer after 5PM or even after 10PM to get runs in at cheaper off-hours rates. There were 3 "rate groups" at different times of day. And yes, even though working from listings you got charged for printing (unless you were sneaky and worked from satellite RJE stations in a few campus locations).

[FunkyDexter]

Shoot, when I took Computer Science we had to create both a simple compiler and a simple operating system.

Eeee, that's nothing. When I took computer science we had to be up by three in t't morning to cycle 56 miles up hill t't computer lab where t't tutor would beat us, "punch card" having a different meaning in them days. Then we'd spend all morning threading magnetic tape till our fingers bled, but you 'ad to keep the tape clean, see, so we 'ad to make our own gloves woven from hair from t't PE teachers back. 'Twer gone twelve at night before we was allowed away when we'd cycle 64 miles (it bein counted in binary 'cause we couldn't afford decimal) home again, uphill then go to bed wi' no dinner and nought but a pair of socks to use as a blanket. And we thought we was damn lucky too.

[techgnome]

Eeee, that's nothing. When I took computer science we had to be up by three in t't morning to cycle 56 miles up hill t't computer lab where t't tutor would beat us, "punch card" having a different meaning in them days. Then we'd spend all morning threading magnetic tape till our fingers bled, but you 'ad to keep the tape clean, see, so we 'ad to make our own gloves woven from hair from t't PE teachers back. 'Twer gone twelve at night before we was allowed away when we'd cycle 64 miles (it bein counted in binary 'cause we couldn't afford decimal) home again, uphill then go to bed wi' no dinner and nought but a pair of socks to use as a blanket. And we thought we was damn lucky too.

Meh... I had to walk to class... barefoot... in the snow.... up hill... BOTH ways... all the while fighting off bears with my tape reels. We ate bits for breakfast... and were THANKful for it too...

-tg

[akhileshbc]

Thanks all

She and her team just moved on to Android. Because her team wasn't happy with the compiler project even though she was interested.