1972International Journal of Computer MathematicsRequires access

A model for the formal definition of programming languages

Karel Čulík

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Abstract

An operational model which allows the complete formal definition of the full syntax and, particularly, semantics of programming languages is described. Both its syntactic and semantic parts are based on so-called linked-forest manipulation systems which allow the definition of mappings on forests. The idea of “linking” is crucial for the given model, we represent not only abstract programs but also intermediate states of our system (abstract computer) by labelled forests with pointers.

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An operational model which allows the complete formal definition of the full syntax and, particularly, semantics of programming languages is described. Both its syntactic and semantic parts are based on so-called linked-forest manipulation systems which allow the definition of mappings on forests. The idea of “linking” is crucial for the given model, we represent not only abstract programs but also intermediate states of our system (abstract computer) by labelled forests with pointers.

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Available abstract

An operational model which allows the complete formal definition of the full syntax and, particularly, semantics of programming languages is described. Both its syntactic and semantic parts are based on so-called linked-forest manipulation systems which allow the definition of mappings on forests. The idea of “linking” is crucial for the given model, we represent not only abstract programs but also intermediate states of our system (abstract computer) by labelled forests with pointers.

Key concepts: Programming language, Computer science, Syntax, Semantics (computer science), Formal grammar, Operational semantics, Programming paradigm, Fifth-generation programming language

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