Announcing MetaCC framework

Announcing MetaCC framework


MetaCC is a framework for compiler construction implemented in Java.
It is available for download from http://metacc.sourceforge.net


The ultimate goal of MetaCC framework is to make a programming language
(whatever one is processed by the framework) extendable.
Extendable means that the language itself or a programming environment
can influence language tokenizing, parsing, semantic analysis and other
phases of its processing. The influence can manifest in example in
adding or modifying language constructions on the fly, during compile
time.


To reach this goal rules for tokenizing, parsing, code generation cannot
be static or precompiled by some other tool, but instead they must be
dynamic and embeeddable into the language. Rich metainformation (that is
information about compiler environment) must be available and
configurable by the programming environment.


The framework is in initial stage now (version 0.1). Lexer and parser
generators are available. Lexer is based on DFA algorithm (via
intermediate NFA) and parser uses LALR1 algorithm. Both of them
construct their tables dynamically on the fly.


As an example java5 lexer and parser definitions are provided.
Together they correctly parse all java5 library sources.


Feedback welcome!


Leszek Piotrowicz

Return to the comp.compilers page.
Search the comp.compilers archives again.