Semantics of Programming Languages: A Tool-Oriented Approach
Jan Heering, Paul Klint · UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) · 1999
By paying more attention to semantics-based tool generation, programming language semantics can significantly increase its impact. Ultimately, this may lead to "Language Design Assistants" incorporating substantial amounts of semantic knowledge. 1991 ACM Computing Classification System: D.2.2, D.3.1, D.3.4, F.3.2 Keywords and Phrases: semantics of programming languages, tool generation, language development system, language design assistant, domain-specific language, compiler toolkit, software renovation tool Note: Submitted to ACM SIGPLAN Notices. This research was supported in part by the Telematica Instituut under the Domain-Specific Languages project. 1 The Role of Programming Language Semantics Programming language semantics has lost touch with large groups of potential users [39]. Among the reasons for this unfortunate state of a#airs, one stands out. Semantic results are rarely incorporated in practical systems that would help language designers to implement and test a ...