An implementation of phrase structures in algol
R. J. W. Housden · Software Practice and Experience · 1972
Abstract This paper describes an implementation of syntax definitions in ALGOL in the form of phrase structures which are translated into ALGOL source statements by a preprocessor. No analysis records are constructed but ALGOL statements within the syntax definitions specify any action to be taken as soon as data are recognized. The first sections are concerned with definitions of the syntax and the semantics of phrases and phrase elements. The use of ALGOL phrases is illustrated by a complete phrase structure program, and finally the method of implementation is described This work arose from a need for extended teaching facilities in an environment in which the main programming languages in use were ALGOL and FORTRAN. The facilities implemented have also been used in applications requiring the input of structured data.