CLIP, a Command Line InterPreter for a subset of C++

Luoma, H., Lahtinen, E. and Jarvinen, H.-M.

C++ is not the best choice for a first programming language, but if it is used, the learning circumstances need to be as easy as possible. We have developed a pedagogically designed interpreter for this purpose. Our hypothesis is that an interpreter is easier than a compiler for a novice programmer to use. We do not want students to use language properties they do not yet fully understand, so our approach is imperative-first. In addition, when using an interpreter, learning concepts such as libraries can be postponed until later in the course. C++ is a complex language and most of its language features are not needed by a novice programmer. Therefore we have simplified the language to a subset of C++ that we call C--. For instance, classes have been omitted. We have also put a lot of effort into producing clear, informative error messages, something that is made possible by of the simpler programming language. This article introduces some other C/C++ interpreters, their evaluation, and the description of our interpreter called CLIP. So far CLIP has not been used by students, so its evaluation is left as future work.

Cite as: Luoma, H., Lahtinen, E. and Jarvinen, H.-M. (2007). CLIP, a Command Line InterPreter for a subset of C++. In Proc. Seventh Baltic Sea Conference on Computing Education Research (Koli Calling 2007), Koli National Park, Finland. CRPIT, 88. Lister, R. and Simon, Eds. ACS. 199-202.

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