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Syntax Directed Definition in Compiler Design

Syntax Directed Definitions (SDDs) are a formal method for defining the semantics of programming languages by associating attributes with grammar symbols. They facilitate semantic analysis in compilers, enabling a clear separation between syntax and semantics, and are essential for tasks such as type checking and expression evaluation. However, SDDs can become complex with large grammars and require careful management of attribute dependencies to ensure efficient evaluation.

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5 views

Syntax Directed Definition in Compiler Design

Syntax Directed Definitions (SDDs) are a formal method for defining the semantics of programming languages by associating attributes with grammar symbols. They facilitate semantic analysis in compilers, enabling a clear separation between syntax and semantics, and are essential for tasks such as type checking and expression evaluation. However, SDDs can become complex with large grammars and require careful management of attribute dependencies to ensure efficient evaluation.

Uploaded by

vijaydamawar1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Syntax Directed Definition In

Compiler Design

SlideMake.com
Introduction to Syntax Directed Definitions

Syntax Directed Definitions (SDDs) are


a formal way to define the semantics
of programming languages.

They extend context-free grammars


by associating attributes with
grammar symbols.

SDDs provide a framework for


defining how the attributes are
computed during parsing.

1
Importance of SDDs in Compiler Design

SDDs facilitate the automatic


generation of semantic actions during
parsing.

They enable a structured approach to


handle semantic analysis in compilers.

By using SDDs, compilers can


maintain a clear separation between
syntax and semantics.

2
Components of Syntax Directed Definitions

An SDD consists of a context-free


grammar along with semantic rules.

Each grammar production can have


attributes that are computed using
these semantic rules.

Attributes can be synthesized or


inherited, determining how they flow
through the parse tree.

3
Types of Attributes

Synthesized attributes are computed


from the attributes of the children
nodes in the parse tree.

Inherited attributes are computed


from the attributes of the parent or
sibling nodes.

The choice of attribute types affects


the complexity and efficiency of the
attribute evaluation process.

4
Semantic Rules in SDDs

Semantic rules specify how to


compute attribute values based on
grammar productions.

They can involve arithmetic


operations, data type checks, and
scope management.

These rules are crucial for ensuring


that the syntax of a program
translates into meaningful semantics.

5
Evaluation Order of Attributes

The order of attribute evaluation is


essential for the correct computation
of values.

Top-down parsing generally uses


inherited attributes, while bottom-up
parsing uses synthesized attributes.

A well-defined evaluation order


prevents circular dependencies and
ensures semantic correctness.

6
Applications of Syntax Directed Definitions

SDDs are widely used in the


implementation of compilers for
programming languages.

They assist in type checking,


expression evaluation, and symbol
table management.

Additionally, SDDs can be utilized in


tools for code generation and
optimization.

7
Example of a Simple SDD

Consider a grammar for arithmetic


expressions that uses synthesized
attributes for evaluation.

Each production can specify how to


compute the value of an expression
based on its components.

This example illustrates how SDDs can


clearly relate syntax to semantic
actions in a concise manner.

8
Limitations of Syntax Directed Definitions

SDDs can become complex when


dealing with large grammars and
numerous attributes.

Managing attribute dependencies


requires careful planning to avoid
circular references.

Additionally, performance can be


impacted if the evaluation of
attributes is not efficiently designed.

9
Conclusion and Future Directions

Syntax Directed Definitions play a


crucial role in modern compiler design
and implementation.

Ongoing research aims to simplify


SDDs and improve their efficiency for
complex languages.

Understanding SDDs lays the


foundation for designing robust
compilers and language tools.

10

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