Teaching a first course in compilers with a simple compiler construction toolkit

We describe the use of a toolkit designed to support the Compiler Construction course in the University of Botswana. The toolkit is based upon the principles of simplicity, modularity and flexibility. Its educational goal is to maintain a balance between theoretical material and the practical presentation of concepts. We view the students as active participants in Computer Aided Leaming. They actively explore and control the interactions and monitor the data and control flow in the compilers they build. The feedback provided by the toolkit's interface helps the students understand where they are in the compilation process