Programming Language Processors

Publisher Summary A programming language processor is considered a formal method for translating from any specified programming language to machine language. This chapter focusses on theoretical or conceptual considerations underlying the design of programming language processors. It is impossible to present a coherent discussion of programming language processors without a preliminary understanding of the features of language with which the processor must deal and without some introduction to notions of grammar, syntactic analysis, and semantic analysis. The chapter also presents a tabular presentation of the development history of programming languages and language processors, listing historical milestones. The chapter discusses types of programming language processors, along with typically ascribable features. It discusses three major types of programming language processors—conventional processors, syntax-directed processors, and list processors. The problem of evaluation of programming language processors is evaluated. The present status of programming language processors, on existing problem areas, and on apparent trends is discussed.

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