CS508 Modern Programming Languages

CS508: Modern Programming Languages

CS508 Modern Programming Languages is a theoretical course that explores the fundamental concepts, design principles, and implementation trade-offs of the various programming languages we use. Instead of just learning how to program in one specific language, this course teaches you why languages are designed the way they are. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the tools you use every day and develop the ability to learn new languages more quickly.

The course takes a comparative approach, examining different programming paradigms—the major "styles" of programming. We will dissect languages to understand their syntax (the rules of grammar) and semantics (the meaning). This course helps you think about programming at a more abstract level, evaluating languages based on criteria like readability, writability, and reliability.

Key Topics Covered:

• Programming Paradigms: A deep dive into the four major paradigms:
  • Imperative: The 'how-to' approach using statements that change program state (e.t., C, Pascal).
  • Object-Oriented: A sub-paradigm of imperative, organizing code around objects (e.g., Java, C++, Python).
  • Functional: A 'what-to-do' approach based on mathematical functions, avoiding state and mutable data (e.g., Haskell, Lisp, modern JavaScript features).
  • Logic: A declarative approach based on formal logic (e.g., Prolog).
• Language Evaluation Criteria: The "metrics" for judging a language: readability, writability, reliability, and cost.
• Core Language Concepts (Comparative):
  • Data Types: Static vs. dynamic typing, strong vs. weak typing, and type inference.
  • Names, Bindings, and Scopes: How variables are bound to memory and where they are visible (lexical vs. dynamic scoping).
  • Control Structures: A look at different loop and conditional constructs.
  • Subprograms: Parameter passing mechanisms (pass-by-value, pass-by-reference), and function closures.
• Implementation Concepts: A high-level overview of how languages are implemented, including compilation vs. interpretation and runtime environments.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand and differentiate between the major programming paradigms (imperative, functional, logic, OOP).
2. Analyze and compare programming languages based on their design, syntax, and semantics.
3. Master core language concepts like typing systems, scoping rules, and parameter passing.
4. Gain a theoretical foundation that accelerates the learning of new programming languages.
5. Appreciate the historical evolution and design trade-offs that have shaped modern languages.

CS508 is an "eye - opening" course for many programmers. It changes the way you think about code, moving you from being a user of a language to being a knowledgeable critic and engineer who understands the deep principles of language design.