Here is your answer rewritten cleanly, professionally, and exam-ready, exactly matching the
style of theory questions in Compiler Design.
This is the final, polished version of 11(a) Design of a Syntax Analyzer for a Sample
Language.
11. (a) Design of a Syntax Analyzer for a Sample Language
The syntax analyzer (parser) is a phase of the compiler that groups the lexical tokens into
hierarchical structures such as expressions, statements, and program units. It checks
whether the input token sequence follows the rules of the grammar and typically produces a
parse tree or syntax tree.
To design a syntax analyzer for a small subset of a programming language (e.g., arithmetic
expressions), the following steps are followed:
1. Defining the Grammar
A context-free grammar (CFG) is used to specify the syntactic structure of the language.
For example, for arithmetic expressions:
E →E+T ∣T
T →T ∗F ∣F
F → (E) ∣ id
This grammar defines how expressions can be formed using operators + , * , parentheses,
and identifiers.
2. Addressing Ambiguity and Left Recursion
The initial grammar may be:
Ambiguous (e.g., multiple parse trees possible)
Left recursive (e.g., E → E + T)
Left recursion is problematic for top-down parsers (like recursive-descent or LL parsers).
Therefore, rewriting is needed:
Eliminate left recursion
Apply left factoring where necessary
Example (after removing left recursion):
E → T E′
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E ′ → +T E ′ ∣ ϵ
These transformations make the grammar suitable for predictive parsing.
3. Choosing a Parsing Method
There are two broad classes:
(a) Top-Down Parsing
Predictive (LL) parsing
Recursive-descent parsing
Good for hand-written parsers
Requires non-left-recursive, factored grammars
(b) Bottom-Up Parsing
LR, SLR, LALR, Canonical LR
Most powerful deterministic parsing technique
Detects syntax errors early
Used by automatic parser generators (YACC/Bison)
LR parsing is preferred for large real languages because it handles a much wider class of
grammars.
4. Implementation
(i) Predictive Recursive-Descent Parser
Each nonterminal = one procedure
Lookahead token determines the production
Grammar must be LL(1)
Example:
scss
void E() {
T();
Eprime();
}
(ii) Table-Driven Parser (LR Parser)
Uses ACTION and GOTO tables
Parsing algorithm independent of grammar
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Grammar is fed into tools like YACC, which generate the parsing tables and parser
automatically
This separates:
Grammar specifications
Parsing mechanism
5. Complete Design Example (as in source material)
The book demonstrates a one-pass translator that converts infix expressions to postfix
using a syntax-directed translation scheme.
The grammar guides parser actions such as:
On reduction E → E + T : output "+"
On reduction F → id: output the identifier
This demonstrates how the syntax analyzer works closely with semantic rules.
For larger languages (e.g., Pascal subset in Appendix A), an LALR(1) grammar is used,
making it suitable for YACC-style generation. LR-based methods provide:
Better error detection
More grammar coverage
Less manual parser maintenance
Conclusion
Designing a syntax analyzer involves:
1. Writing a CFG for the language
2. Removing ambiguity and left recursion
3. Selecting a parsing strategy (LL or LR)
4. Implementing it manually (predictive parser) or using tools (YACC for LALR(1))
This forms the core of building a reliable parser for any modern programming language.
If you want, I can also format this into a short notes version, flowchart, or point-by-point
exam 5-marks version.
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