Parsing functions - do I need a keyword like 'def' to indicate a function?

I'm trying to create a simple scripting language using lex and yacc. I've
noticed that the grammars for most scripting languages have some kind of
keyword in front of function declarations. For example:


ruby and python use "def"
perl uses "sub"
lua uses "function"
tcl uses "proc"


for example in python you use: def setColor (r, g, b):


I was wondering why that is. I suspect the point is to avoid of ambiguity
with other language constructs, but I'm not sure. If possible, I don't want
to use a keyword. The grammar I want to use for my scripting language would
go something like this:


func_name '(' param_list ')' IS_TOKEN
        func_body
END_TOKEN


Does anyone have any suggestions as to whether or not I should have/need a
keyword in front?


Thanks,
Matt C.

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