Syntax and semantics of formal languages

The Formal Methods course is about formally writing down languages (for example programming languages). Formal languages are understandable by a computer. A formal language consists of syntax and semantics. The syntax describes elements of a language , whereas the semantics describes the meaning. For example: Syntax Semantics objects Michael (the person) 13 XIII 1101 13 (all three mean the same thing) facts Michael is a student at IST true functions circuit programs dynamic systems automata programs We give now an example of a language defining a system: 1.1 Language of binary numbers 0 1 x x0 x x1 The expression above the rule is called a premise, the expression below the rule a conclusion. We introduce these definitions: Rule: Finite set of premises and a conclusion 1