Compiler Mania

So I know I talk a whole lot of shit about what I want to do, but I believe that I have it figured out now. All the work and reading I've done lately on the future and history of programming languages has led me to compilers. I'm going to start reading and reading and reading about compilers, and write some. I've done it before, but I'm going to kick it up a notch, BAM.

In 2000 I took a compiler course from Doug Lea and we compiled a simple language into Java Byte Code. I still have the code around for that course, and tomorrow I'm going to find it and review it like a madman. I don't think I have the language syntax definition any longer however. It was on Doug's site, but now its been replaced by MiniJava. I'll likely be learning a lot about MiniJava as well.

I'll be reading two books: Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools (2nd Edition) and Modern Compiler Implementation in Java (Hardcover) The first is the classic Dragon Book. I have the first edition, but hopefully I'll get to pick up the second edition soon. The second, despite its poor reviews on Amazon and the fact that its slightly outdated, was recommended by Doug Lea, so I'm thinking its a safe bet.

For some reason I just feel compilers is the place to be. I know I can compile to JBC, and I know so many new languages are going to be compiling to it to run on the JVM. I want to be a part of that. I have a lot of interest in new languages. I know I don't want to be stuck in the Java world forever. I want to be a guy leading the new language revolution. I want all languages to have instant IDE support. I want to make it so you don't have to do much more to create a new language than just define your syntax and plug in to an IDE.

I can do it. Follow me and on my ride as I detail as much as possible on what I learn.