RTU Kota B.Tech AI 5th Semester Compiler Design Question Paper 2024

RTU Artificial Intelligence Compiler Design 2024 Paper Review

Preparing for the Rajasthan Technical University B.Tech Compiler Design exam requires a firm grasp of automata theory, structural parsing algorithms, and system-level code generation. For Artificial Intelligence students, understanding compiler construction is critical for modern machine learning engineering. The computational graphs used in frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch rely heavily on compiler optimization techniques to translate high-level Python models into highly optimized low-level machine code for GPUs and TPUs. Designing domain-specific languages for AI also requires a deep understanding of lexical analysis and syntax translation. The 2024 paper tests your capability to compute FIRST and FOLLOW sets, construct complex LALR parsing tables, and generate directed acyclic graphs for basic blocks. Reviewing this specific branch paper shows you exactly how examiners frame the questions and allocate marks across the translation phases. This systematic preparation helps you approach your fifth-semester exam confidently.

Understanding the AI Branch Exam Pattern

The RTU theory examination is a three-hour paper worth 70 marks. The paper features three distinct sections designed to evaluate both theoretical definitions and complex algorithmic execution.

• Part A: This section contains ten compulsory questions worth two marks each. You must state the functions of specific compiler phases, define bootstrapping, differentiate between a compiler and an interpreter, or write a regular expression for a lexical token under 30 words.
• Part B: You will find seven questions here. You must answer five of them. Each question is worth four marks. Your answers require computing FIRST and FOLLOW sets for a given grammar, drawing abstract syntax trees, or explaining parameter passing mechanisms like call-by-value and call-by-reference.
• Part C: This section offers five major questions. You need to answer three. Each question carries ten marks. These require you to execute the complete construction of an SLR(1) or CLR(1) parsing table, eliminate left recursion and left factoring from a complex grammar, or perform loop optimization and basic block partitioning on three-address code.

Core Topics Evaluated in the AI Paper

The 2024 question paper covers several critical modules that establish the rules for source code translation. Focus your study time on these specific areas to maximize your score.

Lexical Analysis and Bootstrapping

This module evaluates your understanding of the first phase of compilation. You must understand how the lexical analyzer groups characters into tokens and handles errors. Study the concept of bootstrapping using T-diagrams to build a compiler from a simpler language. Examiners frequently test your knowledge of finite automata concepts and the structural logic behind the LEX tool.

Syntax Analysis and Parsing Algorithms

Parsing is the most heavily weighted module in the exam. You must master top-down parsing techniques, specifically eliminating ambiguity, left recursion, and left factoring to construct an LL(1) predictive parsing table. For bottom-up parsing, practice drawing the deterministic finite automata (DFA) of LR(0) items. You must know the exact step-by-step algorithms to construct Shift-Reduce, SLR, CLR, and LALR parsing tables.

Syntax-Directed Translation and Intermediate Code

This section bridges the gap between parsing and code generation. You must understand the difference between S-attributed and L-attributed definitions. Practice generating Three-Address Code (TAC) for programming constructs like while loops, if-else statements, and boolean expressions. Expect questions asking you to represent this intermediate code using quadruples, triples, and indirect triples in a tabular format.

Storage Organization and Symbol Tables

You must understand how memory is managed during program execution. Study the structure of activation records and the differences between static, stack, and heap storage allocation. The paper tests your knowledge of symbol table organization, specifically the data structures used to store variable scope and attributes, such as hash tables and linked lists.

Code Optimization and Target Generation

Optimization aims to make the intermediate code run faster and use less memory. You must know how to partition a sequence of three-address codes into Basic Blocks and represent the control flow using a Flow Graph. Practice constructing Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) to identify local common subexpressions. Study global data flow analysis and loop optimization techniques, including code motion, induction variable elimination, and reduction in strength.

Answer Writing Strategy for High Marks

RTU evaluators look for clean DFA state diagrams, properly structured parsing tables, and logical step-by-step grammar derivations. Use a blue pen for your general text and explanations, and use a black pen and ruler for drawing syntax trees, parsing tables, and flow graphs.

In Part A, answer directly. If a question asks for the definition of a basic block, state clearly that it is a sequence of consecutive statements in which flow of control enters at the beginning and leaves at the end without any halt or possibility of branching except at the end.

In Part B, use clear structural steps. When computing FIRST and FOLLOW sets, write down the derivation rules explicitly before listing the terminal symbols. Show the exact production that causes a symbol to be included in the set.

In Part C, precision in execution is critical. When solving a ten-mark LALR parsing problem, clearly separate your steps. First, write the augmented grammar. Second, calculate the canonical collection of LR(1) items and draw the complete DFA with clear state transitions. Finally, draw the Action and Goto table explicitly. When writing three-address code, number each instruction line clearly. Draw a clean box around your final parsing tables and optimized code blocks.

Time Management During the Exam

Allocate 20 minutes to Part A. Spend 40 minutes on Part B. Reserve the remaining 120 minutes for the three long-answer questions in Part C. Deriving canonical collections for parsers, drawing large syntax trees, and executing loop optimizations requires steady focus and significant time to prevent tracking mistakes. This plan guarantees you 40 minutes per major question, giving you time to cross-verify your shift/reduce actions and grammar derivations. Use the final 10 minutes to verify your question numbering, ensure all state transition arrows have direction heads, and check that you have not skipped any intermediate productions in your parse trees.