Parser Generator

Definitions

1. A tool that takes a formal grammar specification (typically in BNF or PEG notation) and automatically produces source code for a parser that can recognize and process input conforming to that grammar. Examples include Yacc, ANTLR, and tree-sitter.

   In plain English: A program that reads a description of a language's rules and automatically writes the code needed to understand that language.

   Example: "We fed the SQL grammar into a parser generator instead of hand-rolling a recursive descent parser for the hundredth time."

Related Terms

• Formal Grammar
• Metaprogramming
• Lookahead
• Loop Unrolling
• Object File
• Parse Tree
• Parser Combinator
• Rust Macro
• Stack Machine
• Undefined Behavior
• Custom Parser