A comparative study of formalisms for programming language definition : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorThompson, Ian Joseph
dc.date.accessioned2017-09-21T23:40:42Z
dc.date.available2017-09-21T23:40:42Z
dc.date.issued1975
dc.description.abstractThis study looks at a number of methods for defining the full syntax and semantics of computer programming languages. The syntax, especially the nature of context-dependent conditions in it, is first examined, then some extensions of context-free grammars are compared to see to what extent they can encompass the full context-conditions of typical programming languages. It is found that several syntax extensions are inadequate in this regard, and that the ability to calculate complicated functions and conditions, and to eventually delete the values of such functions, is needed. This ability may be obtained either by allowing unrestricted rules and meta-variables in the phrase-structure, or by associating mathematical functions either with individual production rules or with the whole context-free structure, to transform it into an 'abstract syntax'. Since the form of a definition of a programming language semantics depends critically on how one conceives "meaning", five main types of semantics are considered: these are called 'natural', 'prepositional', 'functional', and 'structural' semantics, as well as a semantics based on string rewriting rules. The five types are compared for their success in defining the semantics of computing languages, of the example Algol-like language ALEX in particular. Among other conclusions, it is found that the semantics of structures and computations on structures is the only type sufficiently comprehensive, precise, and readable.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/11931
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectProgramming languagesen_US
dc.subjectElectronic computersen_US
dc.subjectDesignen_US
dc.titleA comparative study of formalisms for programming language definition : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorThompson, Ian Joseph
thesis.degree.disciplineComputer Scienceen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M. Sc.)en_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Thumbnail Image
Name:
01_front.pdf
Size:
673.29 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
Thumbnail Image
Name:
02_whole.pdf
Size:
14.92 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
3.32 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Theses and Dissertations