Blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience, each aspect of compiler design is related to the practical study of a working computer. A computer that impelements a language is developed for this purpose in the text, and many of the end-of-chapter exercises involve the programming of modifications to, or extensions of, the compiler. The compiler itself is written in modula-2. The text features an accessible discussion on the principles and techniques involved in compiler design and construction using the recursive descent syntax analysis. It also provides an opportunity to study a large-scale program in some detail, and to observe the standards of structuring and documentation used therein. A complete compiler which can easily be extended and modified is presented. The book is intended for 2nd or 3rd year undergraduates taking compilers or compiling technique courses who have an understanding of programming and data structures.