Embedding attribute grammars and their extensions using functional zippers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Martins, P (Author) Other; Joao Paulo Fernandes (Author) Other; Saraiva, J (Author) Other; Van Wyk, E (Author) Other; Sloane, A (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Science of Computer Programming

Vol. 132

Pages: 2-28

ISSN: 0167-6423

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-75A

DOI: 10.1016/j.scico.2016.03.005

Abstract (EN): Attribute grammars are a suitable formalism to express complex software language analysis and manipulation algorithms, which rely on multiple traversals of the underlying syntax tree. Attribute grammars have been extended with mechanisms such as reference, higher order and circular attributes. Such extensions provide a powerful modular mechanism and allow the specification of complex computations. This paper studies an elegant and simple, zipper-based embedding of attribute grammars and their extensions as first class citizens. In this setting, language specifications are defined as a set of independent, off-the-shelf components that can easily be composed into a powerful, executable language processor. Techniques to describe automatic bidirectional transformations between grammars in this setting are also described. Several real examples of language specification and processing programs have been implemented.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 27