Annotation based parser generator

Abstract

The paper presents innovative parser construction method and parser generator prototype which generates a computer language parser directly from a set of annotated classes in contrast to standard parser generators which specify concrete syntax of a computer language using BNF notation. A language with textual concrete syntax is defined upon the abstract syntax definition extended with annotations in the presented approach. Annotations define instances of concrete syntax patterns in a language. Abstract syntax of a language is inevitable input of the parser generator as well as language's concrete syntax pattern definitions. The process of parser implementation is presented on the concrete computer language - the Simple Arithmetic Language. The paper summarizes results of the studies of implemented parser generator and describes its role in the university courses.