A specification language for one-pass semantic analysis

Abstract

A new language is introduced for the specification of semantic analysis of programming languages. The language is based on the concept of one-pass attribute grammars. Various extensions of this basic formalism are incorporated in the language, including disciplined global variables, facilities for symbol processing, and features supporting semantic error detection and recovery. To encourage the writing of declarative specifications the language is nonterminal-oriented, in contrast to the production-oriented languages traditionally used in compiler writing systems.