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EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur Form)

EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur Form) is a formal notation used to describe the syntax of programming languages and structured data, enhancing the original BNF with more expressive symbols. It defines grammar rules, specifies valid structures, and includes key symbols for sequences, alternatives, optional elements, and repetition. EBNF is known for its readability, expressiveness, and widespread use in programming language definitions.

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76 views2 pages

EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur Form)

EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur Form) is a formal notation used to describe the syntax of programming languages and structured data, enhancing the original BNF with more expressive symbols. It defines grammar rules, specifies valid structures, and includes key symbols for sequences, alternatives, optional elements, and repetition. EBNF is known for its readability, expressiveness, and widespread use in programming language definitions.

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024CSE DHARSHINI.A
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© © All Rights Reserved
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EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur Form)

EBNF is a formal way to describe the syntax of programming languages and


structured data. It extends the original BNF (Backus-Naur Form) by adding
more expressive and concise notations.

Purpose of EBNF

● To define the grammar (rules) of a language or data format.


● To specify how valid sentences or structures in a language should be
formed.

Key Symbols in EBNF

1. =: Defines a rule.
○ Example: RuleName = Definition ;
2. ,: Specifies a sequence (order matters).
○ Example: "if", "(", Expression, ")" means these tokens must
appear in this order.
3. |: Specifies alternatives (OR condition).
○ Example: Condition = "true" | "false" ;
4. [ ... ]: Denotes optional elements.
○ Example: [ "else", Statement ] means the else part is optional.
5. { ... }: Denotes repetition (zero or more times).
○ Example: { Statement } means any number of Statements,
including none.
6. ( ... ): Groups elements for clarity.
○ Example: ( "public" | "private" | "protected" ) groups visibility
modifiers.
7. "...": Encloses literal characters or keywords.
○ Example: "if", "for" represent specific reserved words.
Example of EBNF
Syntax for an if-else statement in a programming language:

IfStatement = "if", "(", Expression, ")", Statement, [ "else", Statement ] ;

● The if keyword is followed by an Expression inside parentheses.


● A Statement follows the if condition.
● The else part with its Statement is optional ([ ... ]).

Syntax for a simple arithmetic expression:

Expression = Term, { ("+" | "-"), Term } ;

Term = Factor, { ("*" | "/"), Factor } ;

Factor = Number | "(", Expression, ")" ;

● Expression is made of Terms separated by + or -.


● Term is made of Factors separated by * or /.
● Factor is either a Number or another Expression inside parentheses.

Advantages of EBNF

● Readable: Easier to understand than raw BNF.


● Expressive: Handles repetition and optionality concisely.
● Widely Used: Common in defining programming languages (e.g., Java,
Python).

Let me know if you'd like further examples or explanations!

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