| Abstract: | A methodology and associated notation for designing compiler front ends, and in particular the interface between the parser and the semantic routines, is described. The methodology leads to a clean, easy to understand, documentable design. The notation is similar to an attribute grammar, but its purpose is to document the first pass of a specific compiler, rather than to describe the semantics of a language. It is designed to be accessible to non-specialists, easy to learn, and natural. It can be used with or without software support. The notation was used during the development of a large compiler, and to assist in the transfer of the compiler to the group that will maintain it. Experience with the notation indicates that it meets its goals. |
