Re: learning how to parse

From: Thomas Weidenfeller (nobody_at_ericsson.invalid)
Date: 01/30/04 

Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 10:16:59 +0100

Robert Ludewig wrote:
> Hello, I want to learn how parsing in general is done. For example I have a
> textfile that is strucured hierarchical in nodes (like for example an
> vrml-scenegraph). I know lexers can do that for me , but before having a
> look at them I want to learn the basic of parsing. What is the name of that
> area in computer science?

Parsing :-) But seriously, the people building compilers usually know
the most about grammar, notations (BNF, EBNF, etc.), scanning (lexical
analysis) and parsing text - and doing useful things with the result.

A classix text in building compilers is called the Dragon Book.
"Compilers: Principles, Techniques and Tools" by Alfred V. Aho, Ravi
Sethi, and Jeffrey D. Ullman.

Other popular classics are:

If you can stand the programming language :-) "Compiler Construction"
Niklaus Wirth (yep, the Pascal guy).

An in German: "Compiler bauen mit UNIX" by Axel-Tobias Schreiner, Harry
G. Friedman. English translation: "Introduction to compiler construction
with UNIX."

You for sure also find newer books on the subject.

/Thomas