[Year 12 SofDev] compiler question

Tue Sep 3 15:45:51 EST 2013

OK – maybe I am being a bit precious maybe – but can I see the actual question?
If it is a case of a string being passed into a compiled program as a parameter to a method or function then it must be poorly validated input – hence causes a runtime error.
Does it say that the program itself is a computer language “compiler or interpreter” – or that it is an assembly language interpreter?
“pop” and “push” are both internal functions – they are not really called with strings they are called in programs – often in executable programs and can be called in assembly language – they are machine code instructions.
Like if I use a function called “sort” – and my main program interprets the string I enter and runs the function with this name – and I type “srt” – it is a human error – not a computer code syntax error IMHO.

From: http://www.computerscienceforeveryone.com/Course_2/Unit_1/Lesson_6/

The first thing to understand about the stack is that there are two machine code instructions built into your CPU chip which are used to write data to the stack, and to retrieve data from the stack. These two functions are:
PUSH and POP
PUSH means: "store data" to the stack.
POP means: "retrieve data" from the stack.
David Dawson
Head of Design and Technology Learning Area, Head of Learning Technologies
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From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Tuesday, 3 September 2013 11:21 AM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] compiler question

Hi David.
The software's syntax consisted of only 'PUSH' and 'POP', so the entry of an unknown command 'PIP' would be a syntax error from the software's point of view.

Cheers
Mark
On 3 September 2013 08:41, David Dawson <David.Dawson at wesleycollege.net<mailto:David.Dawson at wesleycollege.net>> wrote:
Oh – see this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntax_error

David Dawson
Head of Design and Technology Learning Area, Head of Learning Technologies
St Kilda Rd Campus, Wesley College
577 St Kilda Rd Melbourne 3004 Bus Ph 8102 6340
This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please email a reply to Wesley College and destroy the original message.

From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au<mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au> [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au<mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au>] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Monday, 2 September 2013 11:19 PM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] compiler question

But the trigger of the crash was incorrect syntax of the input into the program (which is acting as a compiler/interpreter)...

On 2 September 2013 21:54, Calum Munro <munrocs at aquinas.vic.edu.au<mailto:munrocs at aquinas.vic.edu.au>> wrote:
Hi Andrew,

I'm with you. The program runs, so no syntax error. The program crashes when given an incorrect input, that's a run time error for me.

Calum

On 02/09/2013, at 2:37 PM, "Andrew Pate" <arp at mentonegrammar.net<mailto:arp at mentonegrammar.net><mailto:arp at mentonegrammar.net<mailto:arp at mentonegrammar.net>>> wrote:

Hi all,
I have purchased the IARTV trial exams and am wondering about one of their multi-choice answers.Your help is, as always, appreciated.

The question asks about a function written which is called “POP”, but “when testing his stack Alan accidentally types in PIP and the program crashes”.
The multi-choice answers has us choose from runtime error or syntax error.

They suggest the answer is syntax error (and explain that a name, expression etc…that the compiler cannot understand causes a syntax error)

Now, if the program IS RUNNING and THEN crashes, does that not imply that it compiled? Therefore, it is a runtime error (where validation of input was not handled) or am I thinking too language specifically?

Thanks

Andrew Pate
Technology Faculty Coordinator

Mentone Grammar
63 Venice Street, Mentone
Victoria, Australia 3194
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www.mentonegrammar.net<http://www.mentonegrammar.net><http://www.mentonegrammar.net/>

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