Resources for writing a C# Compiler for class?

Question

I'm interested in writing a compiler for a intermediate byte-code language like C# (a subset of). I'm trying to accumulate all the resources and information I can before the project begins.

I'll be writing the compiler in C# as well, so hopefully down the line my compiler will be able to dogfood itself.

The best resource I have found so far is, Blue - The C# Compiler Written in Pure C#, which is open-source. I've already flipped through its source code and it will be a great resource.

One thing about this project is my CLR knowledge isn't up to par yet and it is one of the things I'm looking to get a deeper insight into by writing this term project.

I'm not looking for general compiler-construction resources, I have plenty of those. I'm looking for resources that will aid me specifically in writing a C# compiler.

1. What are some good resources for learning the nitty gritty details of .NET/CLR internals?
2. What is the best resource on MSIL?
3. Should I use the ANTLR Parser Generator since it lists C# as a target code-gen language or would you consider this "cheating" in terms of this project?

Answer 1

I just answer 3: I think it's perfectly valid and not considered cheating to use a parser generator. Writing a parser (in code) is a highly error prone and mechanical task without much benefits (in terms of learning stuff).

Answer 2

This would seem to be what you need:

Compiling for the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR)

Product Description

The definitive book for serious software engineers, compiler developers, and language implementers. Examples included are drawn from C#. Softcover.

From the Back Cover

• Go "under the hood" with .NET's Common Language Runtime!
• The definitive book for serious software engineers, compiler
  developers, and language implementers
• Mapping any language's key features onto .NET's common object model
• Comprehensive coverage of Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL)
• Includes extensive examples drawn from C#

I haven't read it (only skimmed through it) but it looked pretty comprehensive.

And, no, I don't think that using the ANTLR Parser Generator is in any way "cheating." I have used Lex/yacc on many project and I have never felt like I was cheating or somehow taking away from the learning experience of writing compilers.

Enjoy,

Robert C. Cartaino

Answer 3

What are some good resources for learning the nitty gritty details of .NET/CLR internals?

I'd suggest Richter would be a good place to start.

And of course the C# Langauage Specification. Although this is online I think the v3.0 book also contains annotations by Anders and others, so it may be worth borrwoing the actual dead-tree version from your library.