Writing a Lisp compiler (Lisp to assembly) from scratch in JavaScript (2018)

This article outlines the process of creating a simple Lisp compiler in JavaScript, specifically targeting assembly language output. The compiler is designed to take a Lisp expression, such as "(+ 1 (+ 2 3))", and generate assembly code that performs the specified operations, ultimately producing an exit code of 6. The author discusses key components of the compiler, including parsing, code generation, and assembly basics. The parsing stage utilizes S-expression syntax to create an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) from the input program. The article also covers assembly language fundamentals, including the use of registers and the function calling convention for x86_64 systems. The code generation phase involves translating the AST into assembly instructions, with a focus on handling function calls and managing parameters. The article concludes with instructions on how to compile the generated assembly code into an executable program using GCC, demonstrating the successful execution of the Lisp expression. The full source code for the compiler is made available for further exploration.

- The compiler translates Lisp expressions into assembly code using JavaScript.

- It employs S-expression syntax for easy parsing and generates an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST).

- Key assembly instructions and function calling conventions for x86_64 systems are discussed.

- The article provides a complete workflow from parsing to generating an executable program.

- The full source code of the compiler is accessible for users interested in implementation details.