Can a Parser be Generated from Examples?

One of the open problems in the area of domain-specific languages is how to make domain-specific language development easier for domain experts not versed in a programming language design. Possible approaches are to build a domain-specific language from parameterized building blocks or by language (grammar) induction. This paper uses an evolutionary approach to grammar induction. Grammar-specific genetic operators for crossover and mutation are proposed to achieve this task. Suitability of the approach is shown by small experiments where underlying grammars are successfully genetically obtained and parsers are than automatically generated.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: SAC
• Authors: Marjan Mernik, Goran Gerlic, Viljem Zumer, Barrett R. Bryant
• Keywords: Applied Computing, Domain-specific Language, Domain-specific Language Development, Programming Language Design, SAC 2003