Over two decades have passed since the first publication of Modern Compiler Implementation by Andrew Appel, and its second edition revised by Jens Palsberg still remains an essential guide for students, hobbyists, and researchers navigating the complexities of compiler construction. Despite this guidance, designing a compilers course that is both comprehensive and accessible is no easy task due to the intricate handling of syntax, semantics, and optimization processes it involves.

Students often enter compiler courses with limited knowledge of object-oriented languages, dynamic dispatch, and the visitor pattern. Given the limited instruction time, educators find it more beneficial to focus on these transferable skills rather than the specifics of particular ISAs. In today’s job market, while many computer science graduates may not work directly with low-level hardware or software, the concepts learned in compiler courses are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of programming.

This paper highlights the process involved in augmenting the instruction selection phase of the MiniJava compiler outlined in Appel’s “Modern Compiler Implementation” to support RISC-V, setting the stage for a trial semester compilers course in Fall 2024. It will also detail our approach to advanced topics including garbage collection. During this trial, student learning will be measured against a control semester to determine if learning outcomes are improved by these revisions.