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Lex Programming: A Guide to Lexical Analysis

Lexical analysis is the initial phase of the compiler process that transforms source code into tokens, simplifying the structure for parsing. Lex programming involves defining tokens through regular expressions and executing corresponding actions, while Yacc works alongside Lex for syntax analysis. The combination of Lex and Yacc facilitates the development of compilers and interpreters, making it a powerful tool for language processing.

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29 views8 pages

Lex Programming: A Guide to Lexical Analysis

Lexical analysis is the initial phase of the compiler process that transforms source code into tokens, simplifying the structure for parsing. Lex programming involves defining tokens through regular expressions and executing corresponding actions, while Yacc works alongside Lex for syntax analysis. The combination of Lex and Yacc facilitates the development of compilers and interpreters, making it a powerful tool for language processing.

Uploaded by

yadavranvir943
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to

LEXICAL ANALYSIS AND LEX


PROGRAMMING
by - Abhishek kr. Shaw
Aman Kumar
Ranvir kr. Yadav
WHAT IS
LEX-PROGRAMMING?

Lexical analysis is the first step in the


compiler process, converting source
code into tokens.
Simplifies the structure of the source
code for the parser by breaking down
text into manageable units.

A sequence of tokens representing


keywords, operators, identifiers,
constants, and symbols.
Lexemes: The actual character sequences that match a
token pattern.

Common Token Types:


Keywords: (e.g., if, else, while).
Identifiers: variables, functions names etc.
(e.g., AddNums, Res).
Literals: Constant values (e.g., numbers, strings).
Operators: (e.g., +, -, *, /).
Punctuators: Symbols that separate parts of the
THE ROLE OF code (e.g., ;, (, )).

TOKENS
STRUCTURE OF LEX

Three Main Sections in Lex Files:

1. Definition Section:
Optional, for defining constants or C headers.
2. Rules Section:
Contains regular expressions and actions.
Each pattern is matched, and the corresponding action is executed.
3. User Subroutines Section:
Optional C code, often contains helper functions and main().
CODE EXAMPLE: LEX PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Input Code Example:


123 + varName

Expected Output:
Number: 123
Plus Operator [+]
Identifier: varName
HOW LEX AND YACC WORK TOGETHER

Lex: Handles lexical analysis, generating tokens.

YACC: Handles syntax analysis, using tokens generated by Lex to form a


parse tree or AST (Abstract Syntax Tree).

Diagram: Lex → Tokens → YACC → Parse Tree


BENEFITS OF USING LEX

Advantages:
Simplifies creation of lexical analyzers.
Uses flexible and powerful regular expressions.
Works well with Yacc to build compilers or interpreters.

Common Use Cases: Compilers, interpreters, data processors.


CONCLUSION

Summary:
Lexical analysis is a key step in the compiler process, breaking down
code into tokens.
Lex simplifies this process by allowing regular expressions to match
and define tokens.
Lex, combined with Yacc, enables powerful tools for building
language processors.

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