A Formal Semantics for Computer-oriented Languages

Résumé du livre

This dissertation presents a number of results attained in a study of the formalization of certain properties of computer-oriented languages. The presentation of the results in the thesis is based on the structure of this program, called the compiler-compiler. Although there are several sections devoted to theoretical questions, these are set off from the main development. A more detailed introduction to the paper is given and some of the philosophical questions raised by formalizing semantics are considered. A formal syntax language used in the compilercompiler is discussed; relationships are established between this formalization of syntax and others appearing in the literature. A complete discussion of the Formal Semantic Language is given further. The two formal systems were combined to form the basis for a useful computer technique. The final chapter contains a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of our system as well as several suggestions for future research. The appendices include a record of the development of a translator for one small language from a formal definition of the language to examples of resultant machine code. (Author).