An Integrated Toolset for Compiler Construction

Time 2020-10-24 14:11:26

Web Name: An Integrated Toolset for Compiler Construction

WebSite: http://eli-project.sourceforge.net

ID:92802

Keywords:

Toolset,Integrated,An,compiler,compiler-compiler,programminglanguages,domainspec

Description:

technology forgenerating software from specifications.They are applicable to arange of problems that is much broader than the development of compilersfor programming languages: Processors for input languages, designlanguages, specification languages, and intermediate languages inapplications programs all demand solutions to translation problems.We have combined a variety of standard tools that implement powerfulcompiler construction strategies into a domain-specific programmingenvironment called Eli. Using this environment, one canautomatically generate complete language implementations fromapplication-oriented specifications. The implementations might beinterpretive, using the constructs of the source language to invokeoperations of an existing system, or might involve translation into anarbitrary target language.Eli provides modern compiler construction facilities to users with awide range of sophistication. It offers complete solutions forcommonly-encountered language implementation subtasks and containslibraries of reusable specifications, making possible the production ofhigh-quality implementations from simple problem descriptions.The system has been in the field since 1989, and has been used in anumber of projects worldwide. It generates programs whose performanceis comparable to that of a good hand-coded implementation. Developmenttime for a processor using Eli is generally about one third of that forcomparable hand code, and maintenance is significantly easier becausespecifications rather than implementations are being maintained.Application AreasEli has been and is being used successfully in a number of areas toproduce translators, program generators, analysers and interpreters. Here is a small selection of applications we have heard about:Programming language compilers forANSI C to SPARC machine codePascal to PcodePascal to CMany user-defined languagesSpecial processors that translateMusical notation to PostScript scoresStatistical data to TeX tables or histogramsProgram generators that produceC simulation programs from descriptions of mechanicalsystemsQuery language calls from a database descriptionFinite-element models from descriptions of solidsInterpreters thatDo animation from descriptions of graphicsInteractively evaluate decision tablesAnalyzers toEnforce programming styleInteractively validate commands for satellite controlCompute and present statisticsAdvantages of EliEli is a freely-available system that hasmany advantages over conventional tool sets for compilerconstruction.Problem-oriented instead of tool-oriented:The user describes the problem that must be solved. Eliautomatically employs the tools and components needed for thatparticular problem. Because of this, it is possible to improve toolsand components without invalidating specifications.Broad spectrum of tasks and solutions:Eli offers solutions for most of the tasks that must be carried outto implement a language. They range from structural analysis (solved bytools analogous to LEX and YACC) through analysis of names, types andvalues, to storage of translation data structures and production of thetarget text. There is even a declarative specification for thecommand-line parameterization of the generated programs.Little prior knowledge required:A basic understanding of languages and language structures sufficesto begin using Eli. Tutorials with sample problems and solutions,together with extensive on-line documentation and an interactive helpsystem lead the user further if they so desire.Integrated system, with flexible overriding:All components of Eli are coordinated with one another in such a waythat the interfaces of the generated modules fit together. As a result,Eli generates a complete set of C modules, including a Makefile, tosolve the specified problem. Mechanisms are provided to allow users tooverride standard modules and interfaces if necessary to solve specificproblems.State-of-the art components:Eli's tools and modules are implemented according to currentunderstanding of the best approaches to solving translation problems. The generated programs are reliable and efficient. Eli is widely usedand tested.Selective regeneration:In the course of developing a language implementation, the usermakes many changes and corrections in the specification. Eli guaranteesthat the product is always generated from the currentspecification and that only the generation steps that are actuallyrequired are carried out.

TAGS:Toolset Integrated An compiler compiler-compiler programminglanguages domainspec

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Eli is a domain-specific programming environment designed to generate compilers for programming languages from specifications. Eli contains a vastlibrary with precoined solutions and reusable components.

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