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A methodology and notation for compiler front end design
Author(s) -
Brown Cynthia A.,
Purdom Paul W.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
software: practice and experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1097-024X
pISSN - 0038-0644
DOI - 10.1002/spe.4380140405
Subject(s) - computer science , compiler , programming language , notation , compiler construction , parsing , compiler correctness , grammar , interface (matter) , linguistics , operating system , philosophy , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method
A methodology and associated notation for designing compiler front ends, and in particular the interface between the parser and the semantic routines, is described. The methodology leads to a clean, easy to understand, documentable design. The notation is similar to an attribute grammar, but its purpose is to document the first pass of a specific compiler, rather than to describe the semantics of a language. It is designed to be accessible to non‐specialists, easy to learn, and natural. It can be used with or without software support. The notation was used during the development of a large compiler, and to assist in the transfer of the compiler to the group that will maintain it. Experience with the notation indicates that it meets its goals.