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1 <html> 1 <html>
2 <head> 2 <head>
3 <title>The Lemon Parser Generator</title> 3 <title>The Lemon Parser Generator</title>
4 </head> 4 </head>
5 <body bgcolor=white> 5 <body bgcolor=white>
6 <h1 align=center>The Lemon Parser Generator</h1> 6 <h1 align=center>The Lemon Parser Generator</h1>
7 7
8 <p>Lemon is an LALR(1) parser generator for C or C++. 8 <p>Lemon is an LALR(1) parser generator for C.
9 It does the same job as ``bison'' and ``yacc''. 9 It does the same job as "bison" and "yacc".
10 But lemon is not another bison or yacc clone. It 10 But lemon is not a bison or yacc clone. Lemon
11 uses a different grammar syntax which is designed to 11 uses a different grammar syntax which is designed to
12 reduce the number of coding errors. Lemon also uses a more 12 reduce the number of coding errors. Lemon also uses a
13 sophisticated parsing engine that is faster than yacc and 13 parsing engine that is faster than yacc and
14 bison and which is both reentrant and thread-safe. 14 bison and which is both reentrant and threadsafe.
15 Furthermore, Lemon implements features that can be used 15 (Update: Since the previous sentence was written, bison
16 has also been updated so that it too can generate a
17 reentrant and threadsafe parser.)
18 Lemon also implements features that can be used
16 to eliminate resource leaks, making is suitable for use 19 to eliminate resource leaks, making is suitable for use
17 in long-running programs such as graphical user interfaces 20 in long-running programs such as graphical user interfaces
18 or embedded controllers.</p> 21 or embedded controllers.</p>
19 22
20 <p>This document is an introduction to the Lemon 23 <p>This document is an introduction to the Lemon
21 parser generator.</p> 24 parser generator.</p>
22 25
23 <h2>Theory of Operation</h2> 26 <h2>Theory of Operation</h2>
24 27
25 <p>The main goal of Lemon is to translate a context free grammar (CFG) 28 <p>The main goal of Lemon is to translate a context free grammar (CFG)
(...skipping 11 matching lines...) Expand all
37 40
38 <p>Depending on command-line options, Lemon will generate between 41 <p>Depending on command-line options, Lemon will generate between
39 one and three files of outputs. 42 one and three files of outputs.
40 <ul> 43 <ul>
41 <li>C code to implement the parser. 44 <li>C code to implement the parser.
42 <li>A header file defining an integer ID for each terminal symbol. 45 <li>A header file defining an integer ID for each terminal symbol.
43 <li>An information file that describes the states of the generated parser 46 <li>An information file that describes the states of the generated parser
44 automaton. 47 automaton.
45 </ul> 48 </ul>
46 By default, all three of these output files are generated. 49 By default, all three of these output files are generated.
47 The header file is suppressed if the ``-m'' command-line option is 50 The header file is suppressed if the "-m" command-line option is
48 used and the report file is omitted when ``-q'' is selected.</p> 51 used and the report file is omitted when "-q" is selected.</p>
49 52
50 <p>The grammar specification file uses a ``.y'' suffix, by convention. 53 <p>The grammar specification file uses a ".y" suffix, by convention.
51 In the examples used in this document, we'll assume the name of the 54 In the examples used in this document, we'll assume the name of the
52 grammar file is ``gram.y''. A typical use of Lemon would be the 55 grammar file is "gram.y". A typical use of Lemon would be the
53 following command: 56 following command:
54 <pre> 57 <pre>
55 lemon gram.y 58 lemon gram.y
56 </pre> 59 </pre>
57 This command will generate three output files named ``gram.c'', 60 This command will generate three output files named "gram.c",
58 ``gram.h'' and ``gram.out''. 61 "gram.h" and "gram.out".
59 The first is C code to implement the parser. The second 62 The first is C code to implement the parser. The second
60 is the header file that defines numerical values for all 63 is the header file that defines numerical values for all
61 terminal symbols, and the last is the report that explains 64 terminal symbols, and the last is the report that explains
62 the states used by the parser automaton.</p> 65 the states used by the parser automaton.</p>
63 66
64 <h3>Command Line Options</h3> 67 <h3>Command Line Options</h3>
65 68
66 <p>The behavior of Lemon can be modified using command-line options. 69 <p>The behavior of Lemon can be modified using command-line options.
67 You can obtain a list of the available command-line options together 70 You can obtain a list of the available command-line options together
68 with a brief explanation of what each does by typing 71 with a brief explanation of what each does by typing
69 <pre> 72 <pre>
70 lemon -? 73 lemon -?
71 </pre> 74 </pre>
72 As of this writing, the following command-line options are supported: 75 As of this writing, the following command-line options are supported:
73 <ul> 76 <ul>
74 <li><tt>-b</tt> 77 <li><b>-b</b>
75 <li><tt>-c</tt> 78 Show only the basis for each parser state in the report file.
76 <li><tt>-g</tt> 79 <li><b>-c</b>
77 <li><tt>-m</tt> 80 Do not compress the generated action tables.
78 <li><tt>-q</tt> 81 <li><b>-D<i>name</i></b>
79 <li><tt>-s</tt> 82 Define C preprocessor macro <i>name</i>. This macro is useable by
80 <li><tt>-x</tt> 83 "%ifdef" lines in the grammar file.
84 <li><b>-g</b>
85 Do not generate a parser. Instead write the input grammar to standard
86 output with all comments, actions, and other extraneous text removed.
87 <li><b>-l</b>
88 Omit "#line" directives in the generated parser C code.
89 <li><b>-m</b>
90 Cause the output C source code to be compatible with the "makeheaders"
91 program.
92 <li><b>-p</b>
93 Display all conflicts that are resolved by
94 <a href='#precrules'>precedence rules</a>.
95 <li><b>-q</b>
96 Suppress generation of the report file.
97 <li><b>-r</b>
98 Do not sort or renumber the parser states as part of optimization.
99 <li><b>-s</b>
100 Show parser statistics before existing.
101 <li><b>-T<i>file</i></b>
102 Use <i>file</i> as the template for the generated C-code parser implementation.
103 <li><b>-x</b>
104 Print the Lemon version number.
81 </ul> 105 </ul>
82 The ``-b'' option reduces the amount of text in the report file by
83 printing only the basis of each parser state, rather than the full
84 configuration.
85 The ``-c'' option suppresses action table compression. Using -c
86 will make the parser a little larger and slower but it will detect
87 syntax errors sooner.
88 The ``-g'' option causes no output files to be generated at all.
89 Instead, the input grammar file is printed on standard output but
90 with all comments, actions and other extraneous text deleted. This
91 is a useful way to get a quick summary of a grammar.
92 The ``-m'' option causes the output C source file to be compatible
93 with the ``makeheaders'' program.
94 Makeheaders is a program that automatically generates header files
95 from C source code. When the ``-m'' option is used, the header
96 file is not output since the makeheaders program will take care
97 of generated all header files automatically.
98 The ``-q'' option suppresses the report file.
99 Using ``-s'' causes a brief summary of parser statistics to be
100 printed. Like this:
101 <pre>
102 Parser statistics: 74 terminals, 70 nonterminals, 179 rules
103 340 states, 2026 parser table entries, 0 conflicts
104 </pre>
105 Finally, the ``-x'' option causes Lemon to print its version number
106 and then stops without attempting to read the grammar or generate a parser.</p>
107 106
108 <h3>The Parser Interface</h3> 107 <h3>The Parser Interface</h3>
109 108
110 <p>Lemon doesn't generate a complete, working program. It only generates 109 <p>Lemon doesn't generate a complete, working program. It only generates
111 a few subroutines that implement a parser. This section describes 110 a few subroutines that implement a parser. This section describes
112 the interface to those subroutines. It is up to the programmer to 111 the interface to those subroutines. It is up to the programmer to
113 call these subroutines in an appropriate way in order to produce a 112 call these subroutines in an appropriate way in order to produce a
114 complete system.</p> 113 complete system.</p>
115 114
116 <p>Before a program begins using a Lemon-generated parser, the program 115 <p>Before a program begins using a Lemon-generated parser, the program
117 must first create the parser. 116 must first create the parser.
118 A new parser is created as follows: 117 A new parser is created as follows:
119 <pre> 118 <pre>
120 void *pParser = ParseAlloc( malloc ); 119 void *pParser = ParseAlloc( malloc );
121 </pre> 120 </pre>
122 The ParseAlloc() routine allocates and initializes a new parser and 121 The ParseAlloc() routine allocates and initializes a new parser and
123 returns a pointer to it. 122 returns a pointer to it.
124 The actual data structure used to represent a parser is opaque -- 123 The actual data structure used to represent a parser is opaque &mdash;
125 its internal structure is not visible or usable by the calling routine. 124 its internal structure is not visible or usable by the calling routine.
126 For this reason, the ParseAlloc() routine returns a pointer to void 125 For this reason, the ParseAlloc() routine returns a pointer to void
127 rather than a pointer to some particular structure. 126 rather than a pointer to some particular structure.
128 The sole argument to the ParseAlloc() routine is a pointer to the 127 The sole argument to the ParseAlloc() routine is a pointer to the
129 subroutine used to allocate memory. Typically this means ``malloc()''.</p> 128 subroutine used to allocate memory. Typically this means malloc().</p>
130 129
131 <p>After a program is finished using a parser, it can reclaim all 130 <p>After a program is finished using a parser, it can reclaim all
132 memory allocated by that parser by calling 131 memory allocated by that parser by calling
133 <pre> 132 <pre>
134 ParseFree(pParser, free); 133 ParseFree(pParser, free);
135 </pre> 134 </pre>
136 The first argument is the same pointer returned by ParseAlloc(). The 135 The first argument is the same pointer returned by ParseAlloc(). The
137 second argument is a pointer to the function used to release bulk 136 second argument is a pointer to the function used to release bulk
138 memory back to the system.</p> 137 memory back to the system.</p>
139 138
140 <p>After a parser has been allocated using ParseAlloc(), the programmer 139 <p>After a parser has been allocated using ParseAlloc(), the programmer
141 must supply the parser with a sequence of tokens (terminal symbols) to 140 must supply the parser with a sequence of tokens (terminal symbols) to
142 be parsed. This is accomplished by calling the following function 141 be parsed. This is accomplished by calling the following function
143 once for each token: 142 once for each token:
144 <pre> 143 <pre>
145 Parse(pParser, hTokenID, sTokenData, pArg); 144 Parse(pParser, hTokenID, sTokenData, pArg);
146 </pre> 145 </pre>
147 The first argument to the Parse() routine is the pointer returned by 146 The first argument to the Parse() routine is the pointer returned by
148 ParseAlloc(). 147 ParseAlloc().
149 The second argument is a small positive integer that tells the parse the 148 The second argument is a small positive integer that tells the parse the
150 type of the next token in the data stream. 149 type of the next token in the data stream.
151 There is one token type for each terminal symbol in the grammar. 150 There is one token type for each terminal symbol in the grammar.
152 The gram.h file generated by Lemon contains #define statements that 151 The gram.h file generated by Lemon contains #define statements that
153 map symbolic terminal symbol names into appropriate integer values. 152 map symbolic terminal symbol names into appropriate integer values.
154 (A value of 0 for the second argument is a special flag to the 153 A value of 0 for the second argument is a special flag to the
155 parser to indicate that the end of input has been reached.) 154 parser to indicate that the end of input has been reached.
156 The third argument is the value of the given token. By default, 155 The third argument is the value of the given token. By default,
157 the type of the third argument is integer, but the grammar will 156 the type of the third argument is integer, but the grammar will
158 usually redefine this type to be some kind of structure. 157 usually redefine this type to be some kind of structure.
159 Typically the second argument will be a broad category of tokens 158 Typically the second argument will be a broad category of tokens
160 such as ``identifier'' or ``number'' and the third argument will 159 such as "identifier" or "number" and the third argument will
161 be the name of the identifier or the value of the number.</p> 160 be the name of the identifier or the value of the number.</p>
162 161
163 <p>The Parse() function may have either three or four arguments, 162 <p>The Parse() function may have either three or four arguments,
164 depending on the grammar. If the grammar specification file request 163 depending on the grammar. If the grammar specification file requests
165 it, the Parse() function will have a fourth parameter that can be 164 it (via the <a href='#extraarg'><tt>extra_argument</tt> directive</a>),
165 the Parse() function will have a fourth parameter that can be
166 of any type chosen by the programmer. The parser doesn't do anything 166 of any type chosen by the programmer. The parser doesn't do anything
167 with this argument except to pass it through to action routines. 167 with this argument except to pass it through to action routines.
168 This is a convenient mechanism for passing state information down 168 This is a convenient mechanism for passing state information down
169 to the action routines without having to use global variables.</p> 169 to the action routines without having to use global variables.</p>
170 170
171 <p>A typical use of a Lemon parser might look something like the 171 <p>A typical use of a Lemon parser might look something like the
172 following: 172 following:
173 <pre> 173 <pre>
174 01 ParseTree *ParseFile(const char *zFilename){ 174 01 ParseTree *ParseFile(const char *zFilename){
175 02 Tokenizer *pTokenizer; 175 02 Tokenizer *pTokenizer;
176 03 void *pParser; 176 03 void *pParser;
177 04 Token sToken; 177 04 Token sToken;
178 05 int hTokenId; 178 05 int hTokenId;
179 06 ParserState sState; 179 06 ParserState sState;
180 07 180 07
181 08 pTokenizer = TokenizerCreate(zFilename); 181 08 pTokenizer = TokenizerCreate(zFilename);
182 09 pParser = ParseAlloc( malloc ); 182 09 pParser = ParseAlloc( malloc );
183 10 InitParserState(&sState); 183 10 InitParserState(&sState);
184 11 while( GetNextToken(pTokenizer, &hTokenId, &sToken) ){ 184 11 while( GetNextToken(pTokenizer, &hTokenId, &sToken) ){
185 12 Parse(pParser, hTokenId, sToken, &sState); 185 12 Parse(pParser, hTokenId, sToken, &sState);
186 13 } 186 13 }
187 14 Parse(pParser, 0, sToken, &sState); 187 14 Parse(pParser, 0, sToken, &sState);
188 15 ParseFree(pParser, free ); 188 15 ParseFree(pParser, free );
189 16 TokenizerFree(pTokenizer); 189 16 TokenizerFree(pTokenizer);
190 17 return sState.treeRoot; 190 17 return sState.treeRoot;
191 18 } 191 18 }
192 </pre> 192 </pre>
193 This example shows a user-written routine that parses a file of 193 This example shows a user-written routine that parses a file of
194 text and returns a pointer to the parse tree. 194 text and returns a pointer to the parse tree.
195 (We've omitted all error-handling from this example to keep it 195 (All error-handling code is omitted from this example to keep it
196 simple.) 196 simple.)
197 We assume the existence of some kind of tokenizer which is created 197 We assume the existence of some kind of tokenizer which is created
198 using TokenizerCreate() on line 8 and deleted by TokenizerFree() 198 using TokenizerCreate() on line 8 and deleted by TokenizerFree()
199 on line 16. The GetNextToken() function on line 11 retrieves the 199 on line 16. The GetNextToken() function on line 11 retrieves the
200 next token from the input file and puts its type in the 200 next token from the input file and puts its type in the
201 integer variable hTokenId. The sToken variable is assumed to be 201 integer variable hTokenId. The sToken variable is assumed to be
202 some kind of structure that contains details about each token, 202 some kind of structure that contains details about each token,
203 such as its complete text, what line it occurs on, etc. </p> 203 such as its complete text, what line it occurs on, etc. </p>
204 204
205 <p>This example also assumes the existence of structure of type 205 <p>This example also assumes the existence of structure of type
(...skipping 50 matching lines...) Expand 10 before | Expand all | Expand 10 after
256 <li>Lemon uses no global variables. Yacc and bison use global variables 256 <li>Lemon uses no global variables. Yacc and bison use global variables
257 to pass information between the tokenizer and parser. 257 to pass information between the tokenizer and parser.
258 <li>Lemon allows multiple parsers to be running simultaneously. Yacc 258 <li>Lemon allows multiple parsers to be running simultaneously. Yacc
259 and bison do not. 259 and bison do not.
260 </ul> 260 </ul>
261 These differences may cause some initial confusion for programmers 261 These differences may cause some initial confusion for programmers
262 with prior yacc and bison experience. 262 with prior yacc and bison experience.
263 But after years of experience using Lemon, I firmly 263 But after years of experience using Lemon, I firmly
264 believe that the Lemon way of doing things is better.</p> 264 believe that the Lemon way of doing things is better.</p>
265 265
266 <p><i>Updated as of 2016-02-16:</i>
267 The text above was written in the 1990s.
268 We are told that Bison has lately been enhanced to support the
269 tokenizer-calls-parser paradigm used by Lemon, and to obviate the
270 need for global variables.</p>
271
266 <h2>Input File Syntax</h2> 272 <h2>Input File Syntax</h2>
267 273
268 <p>The main purpose of the grammar specification file for Lemon is 274 <p>The main purpose of the grammar specification file for Lemon is
269 to define the grammar for the parser. But the input file also 275 to define the grammar for the parser. But the input file also
270 specifies additional information Lemon requires to do its job. 276 specifies additional information Lemon requires to do its job.
271 Most of the work in using Lemon is in writing an appropriate 277 Most of the work in using Lemon is in writing an appropriate
272 grammar file.</p> 278 grammar file.</p>
273 279
274 <p>The grammar file for lemon is, for the most part, free format. 280 <p>The grammar file for lemon is, for the most part, free format.
275 It does not have sections or divisions like yacc or bison. Any 281 It does not have sections or divisions like yacc or bison. Any
276 declaration can occur at any point in the file. 282 declaration can occur at any point in the file.
277 Lemon ignores whitespace (except where it is needed to separate 283 Lemon ignores whitespace (except where it is needed to separate
278 tokens) and it honors the same commenting conventions as C and C++.</p> 284 tokens) and it honors the same commenting conventions as C and C++.</p>
279 285
280 <h3>Terminals and Nonterminals</h3> 286 <h3>Terminals and Nonterminals</h3>
281 287
282 <p>A terminal symbol (token) is any string of alphanumeric 288 <p>A terminal symbol (token) is any string of alphanumeric
283 and underscore characters 289 and/or underscore characters
284 that begins with an upper case letter. 290 that begins with an upper case letter.
285 A terminal can contain lowercase letters after the first character, 291 A terminal can contain lowercase letters after the first character,
286 but the usual convention is to make terminals all upper case. 292 but the usual convention is to make terminals all upper case.
287 A nonterminal, on the other hand, is any string of alphanumeric 293 A nonterminal, on the other hand, is any string of alphanumeric
288 and underscore characters than begins with a lower case letter. 294 and underscore characters than begins with a lower case letter.
289 Again, the usual convention is to make nonterminals use all lower 295 Again, the usual convention is to make nonterminals use all lower
290 case letters.</p> 296 case letters.</p>
291 297
292 <p>In Lemon, terminal and nonterminal symbols do not need to 298 <p>In Lemon, terminal and nonterminal symbols do not need to
293 be declared or identified in a separate section of the grammar file. 299 be declared or identified in a separate section of the grammar file.
294 Lemon is able to generate a list of all terminals and nonterminals 300 Lemon is able to generate a list of all terminals and nonterminals
295 by examining the grammar rules, and it can always distinguish a 301 by examining the grammar rules, and it can always distinguish a
296 terminal from a nonterminal by checking the case of the first 302 terminal from a nonterminal by checking the case of the first
297 character of the name.</p> 303 character of the name.</p>
298 304
299 <p>Yacc and bison allow terminal symbols to have either alphanumeric 305 <p>Yacc and bison allow terminal symbols to have either alphanumeric
300 names or to be individual characters included in single quotes, like 306 names or to be individual characters included in single quotes, like
301 this: ')' or '$'. Lemon does not allow this alternative form for 307 this: ')' or '$'. Lemon does not allow this alternative form for
302 terminal symbols. With Lemon, all symbols, terminals and nonterminals, 308 terminal symbols. With Lemon, all symbols, terminals and nonterminals,
303 must have alphanumeric names.</p> 309 must have alphanumeric names.</p>
304 310
305 <h3>Grammar Rules</h3> 311 <h3>Grammar Rules</h3>
306 312
307 <p>The main component of a Lemon grammar file is a sequence of grammar 313 <p>The main component of a Lemon grammar file is a sequence of grammar
308 rules. 314 rules.
309 Each grammar rule consists of a nonterminal symbol followed by 315 Each grammar rule consists of a nonterminal symbol followed by
310 the special symbol ``::='' and then a list of terminals and/or nonterminals. 316 the special symbol "::=" and then a list of terminals and/or nonterminals.
311 The rule is terminated by a period. 317 The rule is terminated by a period.
312 The list of terminals and nonterminals on the right-hand side of the 318 The list of terminals and nonterminals on the right-hand side of the
313 rule can be empty. 319 rule can be empty.
314 Rules can occur in any order, except that the left-hand side of the 320 Rules can occur in any order, except that the left-hand side of the
315 first rule is assumed to be the start symbol for the grammar (unless 321 first rule is assumed to be the start symbol for the grammar (unless
316 specified otherwise using the <tt>%start</tt> directive described below.) 322 specified otherwise using the <tt>%start</tt> directive described below.)
317 A typical sequence of grammar rules might look something like this: 323 A typical sequence of grammar rules might look something like this:
318 <pre> 324 <pre>
319 expr ::= expr PLUS expr. 325 expr ::= expr PLUS expr.
320 expr ::= expr TIMES expr. 326 expr ::= expr TIMES expr.
321 expr ::= LPAREN expr RPAREN. 327 expr ::= LPAREN expr RPAREN.
322 expr ::= VALUE. 328 expr ::= VALUE.
323 </pre> 329 </pre>
324 </p> 330 </p>
325 331
326 <p>There is one non-terminal in this example, ``expr'', and five 332 <p>There is one non-terminal in this example, "expr", and five
327 terminal symbols or tokens: ``PLUS'', ``TIMES'', ``LPAREN'', 333 terminal symbols or tokens: "PLUS", "TIMES", "LPAREN",
328 ``RPAREN'' and ``VALUE''.</p> 334 "RPAREN" and "VALUE".</p>
329 335
330 <p>Like yacc and bison, Lemon allows the grammar to specify a block 336 <p>Like yacc and bison, Lemon allows the grammar to specify a block
331 of C code that will be executed whenever a grammar rule is reduced 337 of C code that will be executed whenever a grammar rule is reduced
332 by the parser. 338 by the parser.
333 In Lemon, this action is specified by putting the C code (contained 339 In Lemon, this action is specified by putting the C code (contained
334 within curly braces <tt>{...}</tt>) immediately after the 340 within curly braces <tt>{...}</tt>) immediately after the
335 period that closes the rule. 341 period that closes the rule.
336 For example: 342 For example:
337 <pre> 343 <pre>
338 expr ::= expr PLUS expr. { printf("Doing an addition...\n"); } 344 expr ::= expr PLUS expr. { printf("Doing an addition...\n"); }
339 </pre> 345 </pre>
340 </p> 346 </p>
341 347
342 <p>In order to be useful, grammar actions must normally be linked to 348 <p>In order to be useful, grammar actions must normally be linked to
343 their associated grammar rules. 349 their associated grammar rules.
344 In yacc and bison, this is accomplished by embedding a ``$$'' in the 350 In yacc and bison, this is accomplished by embedding a "$$" in the
345 action to stand for the value of the left-hand side of the rule and 351 action to stand for the value of the left-hand side of the rule and
346 symbols ``$1'', ``$2'', and so forth to stand for the value of 352 symbols "$1", "$2", and so forth to stand for the value of
347 the terminal or nonterminal at position 1, 2 and so forth on the 353 the terminal or nonterminal at position 1, 2 and so forth on the
348 right-hand side of the rule. 354 right-hand side of the rule.
349 This idea is very powerful, but it is also very error-prone. The 355 This idea is very powerful, but it is also very error-prone. The
350 single most common source of errors in a yacc or bison grammar is 356 single most common source of errors in a yacc or bison grammar is
351 to miscount the number of symbols on the right-hand side of a grammar 357 to miscount the number of symbols on the right-hand side of a grammar
352 rule and say ``$7'' when you really mean ``$8''.</p> 358 rule and say "$7" when you really mean "$8".</p>
353 359
354 <p>Lemon avoids the need to count grammar symbols by assigning symbolic 360 <p>Lemon avoids the need to count grammar symbols by assigning symbolic
355 names to each symbol in a grammar rule and then using those symbolic 361 names to each symbol in a grammar rule and then using those symbolic
356 names in the action. 362 names in the action.
357 In yacc or bison, one would write this: 363 In yacc or bison, one would write this:
358 <pre> 364 <pre>
359 expr -> expr PLUS expr { $$ = $1 + $3; }; 365 expr -> expr PLUS expr { $$ = $1 + $3; };
360 </pre> 366 </pre>
361 But in Lemon, the same rule becomes the following: 367 But in Lemon, the same rule becomes the following:
362 <pre> 368 <pre>
363 expr(A) ::= expr(B) PLUS expr(C). { A = B+C; } 369 expr(A) ::= expr(B) PLUS expr(C). { A = B+C; }
364 </pre> 370 </pre>
365 In the Lemon rule, any symbol in parentheses after a grammar rule 371 In the Lemon rule, any symbol in parentheses after a grammar rule
366 symbol becomes a place holder for that symbol in the grammar rule. 372 symbol becomes a place holder for that symbol in the grammar rule.
367 This place holder can then be used in the associated C action to 373 This place holder can then be used in the associated C action to
368 stand for the value of that symbol.<p> 374 stand for the value of that symbol.<p>
369 375
370 <p>The Lemon notation for linking a grammar rule with its reduce 376 <p>The Lemon notation for linking a grammar rule with its reduce
371 action is superior to yacc/bison on several counts. 377 action is superior to yacc/bison on several counts.
372 First, as mentioned above, the Lemon method avoids the need to 378 First, as mentioned above, the Lemon method avoids the need to
373 count grammar symbols. 379 count grammar symbols.
374 Secondly, if a terminal or nonterminal in a Lemon grammar rule 380 Secondly, if a terminal or nonterminal in a Lemon grammar rule
375 includes a linking symbol in parentheses but that linking symbol 381 includes a linking symbol in parentheses but that linking symbol
376 is not actually used in the reduce action, then an error message 382 is not actually used in the reduce action, then an error message
377 is generated. 383 is generated.
378 For example, the rule 384 For example, the rule
379 <pre> 385 <pre>
380 expr(A) ::= expr(B) PLUS expr(C). { A = B; } 386 expr(A) ::= expr(B) PLUS expr(C). { A = B; }
381 </pre> 387 </pre>
382 will generate an error because the linking symbol ``C'' is used 388 will generate an error because the linking symbol "C" is used
383 in the grammar rule but not in the reduce action.</p> 389 in the grammar rule but not in the reduce action.</p>
384 390
385 <p>The Lemon notation for linking grammar rules to reduce actions 391 <p>The Lemon notation for linking grammar rules to reduce actions
386 also facilitates the use of destructors for reclaiming memory 392 also facilitates the use of destructors for reclaiming memory
387 allocated by the values of terminals and nonterminals on the 393 allocated by the values of terminals and nonterminals on the
388 right-hand side of a rule.</p> 394 right-hand side of a rule.</p>
389 395
396 <a name='precrules'></a>
390 <h3>Precedence Rules</h3> 397 <h3>Precedence Rules</h3>
391 398
392 <p>Lemon resolves parsing ambiguities in exactly the same way as 399 <p>Lemon resolves parsing ambiguities in exactly the same way as
393 yacc and bison. A shift-reduce conflict is resolved in favor 400 yacc and bison. A shift-reduce conflict is resolved in favor
394 of the shift, and a reduce-reduce conflict is resolved by reducing 401 of the shift, and a reduce-reduce conflict is resolved by reducing
395 whichever rule comes first in the grammar file.</p> 402 whichever rule comes first in the grammar file.</p>
396 403
397 <p>Just like in 404 <p>Just like in
398 yacc and bison, Lemon allows a measure of control 405 yacc and bison, Lemon allows a measure of control
399 over the resolution of paring conflicts using precedence rules. 406 over the resolution of paring conflicts using precedence rules.
400 A precedence value can be assigned to any terminal symbol 407 A precedence value can be assigned to any terminal symbol
401 using the %left, %right or %nonassoc directives. Terminal symbols 408 using the
409 <a href='#pleft'>%left</a>,
410 <a href='#pright'>%right</a> or
411 <a href='#pnonassoc'>%nonassoc</a> directives. Terminal symbols
402 mentioned in earlier directives have a lower precedence that 412 mentioned in earlier directives have a lower precedence that
403 terminal symbols mentioned in later directives. For example:</p> 413 terminal symbols mentioned in later directives. For example:</p>
404 414
405 <p><pre> 415 <p><pre>
406 %left AND. 416 %left AND.
407 %left OR. 417 %left OR.
408 %nonassoc EQ NE GT GE LT LE. 418 %nonassoc EQ NE GT GE LT LE.
409 %left PLUS MINUS. 419 %left PLUS MINUS.
410 %left TIMES DIVIDE MOD. 420 %left TIMES DIVIDE MOD.
411 %right EXP NOT. 421 %right EXP NOT.
(...skipping 99 matching lines...) Expand 10 before | Expand all | Expand 10 after
511 grammar rules. It doesn't matter. The relative order of 521 grammar rules. It doesn't matter. The relative order of
512 directives used to assign precedence to terminals is important, but 522 directives used to assign precedence to terminals is important, but
513 other than that, the order of directives in Lemon is arbitrary.</p> 523 other than that, the order of directives in Lemon is arbitrary.</p>
514 524
515 <p>Lemon supports the following special directives: 525 <p>Lemon supports the following special directives:
516 <ul> 526 <ul>
517 <li><tt>%code</tt> 527 <li><tt>%code</tt>
518 <li><tt>%default_destructor</tt> 528 <li><tt>%default_destructor</tt>
519 <li><tt>%default_type</tt> 529 <li><tt>%default_type</tt>
520 <li><tt>%destructor</tt> 530 <li><tt>%destructor</tt>
531 <li><tt>%endif</tt>
521 <li><tt>%extra_argument</tt> 532 <li><tt>%extra_argument</tt>
533 <li><tt>%fallback</tt>
534 <li><tt>%ifdef</tt>
535 <li><tt>%ifndef</tt>
522 <li><tt>%include</tt> 536 <li><tt>%include</tt>
523 <li><tt>%left</tt> 537 <li><tt>%left</tt>
524 <li><tt>%name</tt> 538 <li><tt>%name</tt>
525 <li><tt>%nonassoc</tt> 539 <li><tt>%nonassoc</tt>
526 <li><tt>%parse_accept</tt> 540 <li><tt>%parse_accept</tt>
527 <li><tt>%parse_failure </tt> 541 <li><tt>%parse_failure </tt>
528 <li><tt>%right</tt> 542 <li><tt>%right</tt>
529 <li><tt>%stack_overflow</tt> 543 <li><tt>%stack_overflow</tt>
530 <li><tt>%stack_size</tt> 544 <li><tt>%stack_size</tt>
531 <li><tt>%start_symbol</tt> 545 <li><tt>%start_symbol</tt>
532 <li><tt>%syntax_error</tt> 546 <li><tt>%syntax_error</tt>
547 <li><tt>%token_class</tt>
533 <li><tt>%token_destructor</tt> 548 <li><tt>%token_destructor</tt>
534 <li><tt>%token_prefix</tt> 549 <li><tt>%token_prefix</tt>
535 <li><tt>%token_type</tt> 550 <li><tt>%token_type</tt>
536 <li><tt>%type</tt> 551 <li><tt>%type</tt>
552 <li><tt>%wildcard</tt>
537 </ul> 553 </ul>
538 Each of these directives will be described separately in the 554 Each of these directives will be described separately in the
539 following sections:</p> 555 following sections:</p>
540 556
557 <a name='pcode'></a>
541 <h4>The <tt>%code</tt> directive</h4> 558 <h4>The <tt>%code</tt> directive</h4>
542 559
543 <p>The %code directive is used to specify addition C/C++ code that 560 <p>The %code directive is used to specify addition C code that
544 is added to the end of the main output file. This is similar to 561 is added to the end of the main output file. This is similar to
545 the %include directive except that %include is inserted at the 562 the <a href='#pinclude'>%include</a> directive except that %include
546 beginning of the main output file.</p> 563 is inserted at the beginning of the main output file.</p>
547 564
548 <p>%code is typically used to include some action routines or perhaps 565 <p>%code is typically used to include some action routines or perhaps
549 a tokenizer as part of the output file.</p> 566 a tokenizer or even the "main()" function
567 as part of the output file.</p>
550 568
569 <a name='default_destructor'></a>
551 <h4>The <tt>%default_destructor</tt> directive</h4> 570 <h4>The <tt>%default_destructor</tt> directive</h4>
552 571
553 <p>The %default_destructor directive specifies a destructor to 572 <p>The %default_destructor directive specifies a destructor to
554 use for non-terminals that do not have their own destructor 573 use for non-terminals that do not have their own destructor
555 specified by a separate %destructor directive. See the documentation 574 specified by a separate %destructor directive. See the documentation
556 on the %destructor directive below for additional information.</p> 575 on the <a name='#destructor'>%destructor</a> directive below for
576 additional information.</p>
557 577
558 <p>In some grammers, many different non-terminal symbols have the 578 <p>In some grammers, many different non-terminal symbols have the
559 same datatype and hence the same destructor. This directive is 579 same datatype and hence the same destructor. This directive is
560 a convenience way to specify the same destructor for all those 580 a convenience way to specify the same destructor for all those
561 non-terminals using a single statement.</p> 581 non-terminals using a single statement.</p>
562 582
583 <a name='default_type'></a>
563 <h4>The <tt>%default_type</tt> directive</h4> 584 <h4>The <tt>%default_type</tt> directive</h4>
564 585
565 <p>The %default_type directive specifies the datatype of non-terminal 586 <p>The %default_type directive specifies the datatype of non-terminal
566 symbols that do no have their own datatype defined using a separate 587 symbols that do no have their own datatype defined using a separate
567 %type directive. See the documentation on %type below for addition 588 <a href='#ptype'>%type</a> directive.
568 information.</p> 589 </p>
569 590
591 <a name='destructor'></a>
570 <h4>The <tt>%destructor</tt> directive</h4> 592 <h4>The <tt>%destructor</tt> directive</h4>
571 593
572 <p>The %destructor directive is used to specify a destructor for 594 <p>The %destructor directive is used to specify a destructor for
573 a non-terminal symbol. 595 a non-terminal symbol.
574 (See also the %token_destructor directive which is used to 596 (See also the <a href='#token_destructor'>%token_destructor</a>
575 specify a destructor for terminal symbols.)</p> 597 directive which is used to specify a destructor for terminal symbols.)</p>
576 598
577 <p>A non-terminal's destructor is called to dispose of the 599 <p>A non-terminal's destructor is called to dispose of the
578 non-terminal's value whenever the non-terminal is popped from 600 non-terminal's value whenever the non-terminal is popped from
579 the stack. This includes all of the following circumstances: 601 the stack. This includes all of the following circumstances:
580 <ul> 602 <ul>
581 <li> When a rule reduces and the value of a non-terminal on 603 <li> When a rule reduces and the value of a non-terminal on
582 the right-hand side is not linked to C code. 604 the right-hand side is not linked to C code.
583 <li> When the stack is popped during error processing. 605 <li> When the stack is popped during error processing.
584 <li> When the ParseFree() function runs. 606 <li> When the ParseFree() function runs.
585 </ul> 607 </ul>
586 The destructor can do whatever it wants with the value of 608 The destructor can do whatever it wants with the value of
587 the non-terminal, but its design is to deallocate memory 609 the non-terminal, but its design is to deallocate memory
588 or other resources held by that non-terminal.</p> 610 or other resources held by that non-terminal.</p>
589 611
590 <p>Consider an example: 612 <p>Consider an example:
591 <pre> 613 <pre>
592 %type nt {void*} 614 %type nt {void*}
593 %destructor nt { free($$); } 615 %destructor nt { free($$); }
594 nt(A) ::= ID NUM. { A = malloc( 100 ); } 616 nt(A) ::= ID NUM. { A = malloc( 100 ); }
595 </pre> 617 </pre>
596 This example is a bit contrived but it serves to illustrate how 618 This example is a bit contrived but it serves to illustrate how
597 destructors work. The example shows a non-terminal named 619 destructors work. The example shows a non-terminal named
598 ``nt'' that holds values of type ``void*''. When the rule for 620 "nt" that holds values of type "void*". When the rule for
599 an ``nt'' reduces, it sets the value of the non-terminal to 621 an "nt" reduces, it sets the value of the non-terminal to
600 space obtained from malloc(). Later, when the nt non-terminal 622 space obtained from malloc(). Later, when the nt non-terminal
601 is popped from the stack, the destructor will fire and call 623 is popped from the stack, the destructor will fire and call
602 free() on this malloced space, thus avoiding a memory leak. 624 free() on this malloced space, thus avoiding a memory leak.
603 (Note that the symbol ``$$'' in the destructor code is replaced 625 (Note that the symbol "$$" in the destructor code is replaced
604 by the value of the non-terminal.)</p> 626 by the value of the non-terminal.)</p>
605 627
606 <p>It is important to note that the value of a non-terminal is passed 628 <p>It is important to note that the value of a non-terminal is passed
607 to the destructor whenever the non-terminal is removed from the 629 to the destructor whenever the non-terminal is removed from the
608 stack, unless the non-terminal is used in a C-code action. If 630 stack, unless the non-terminal is used in a C-code action. If
609 the non-terminal is used by C-code, then it is assumed that the 631 the non-terminal is used by C-code, then it is assumed that the
610 C-code will take care of destroying it if it should really 632 C-code will take care of destroying it.
611 be destroyed. More commonly, the value is used to build some 633 More commonly, the value is used to build some
612 larger structure and we don't want to destroy it, which is why 634 larger structure and we don't want to destroy it, which is why
613 the destructor is not called in this circumstance.</p> 635 the destructor is not called in this circumstance.</p>
614 636
615 <p>By appropriate use of destructors, it is possible to 637 <p>Destructors help avoid memory leaks by automatically freeing
616 build a parser using Lemon that can be used within a long-running 638 allocated objects when they go out of scope.
617 program, such as a GUI, that will not leak memory or other resources.
618 To do the same using yacc or bison is much more difficult.</p> 639 To do the same using yacc or bison is much more difficult.</p>
619 640
641 <a name="extraarg"></a>
620 <h4>The <tt>%extra_argument</tt> directive</h4> 642 <h4>The <tt>%extra_argument</tt> directive</h4>
621 643
622 The %extra_argument directive instructs Lemon to add a 4th parameter 644 The %extra_argument directive instructs Lemon to add a 4th parameter
623 to the parameter list of the Parse() function it generates. Lemon 645 to the parameter list of the Parse() function it generates. Lemon
624 doesn't do anything itself with this extra argument, but it does 646 doesn't do anything itself with this extra argument, but it does
625 make the argument available to C-code action routines, destructors, 647 make the argument available to C-code action routines, destructors,
626 and so forth. For example, if the grammar file contains:</p> 648 and so forth. For example, if the grammar file contains:</p>
627 649
628 <p><pre> 650 <p><pre>
629 %extra_argument { MyStruct *pAbc } 651 %extra_argument { MyStruct *pAbc }
630 </pre></p> 652 </pre></p>
631 653
632 <p>Then the Parse() function generated will have an 4th parameter 654 <p>Then the Parse() function generated will have an 4th parameter
633 of type ``MyStruct*'' and all action routines will have access to 655 of type "MyStruct*" and all action routines will have access to
634 a variable named ``pAbc'' that is the value of the 4th parameter 656 a variable named "pAbc" that is the value of the 4th parameter
635 in the most recent call to Parse().</p> 657 in the most recent call to Parse().</p>
636 658
659 <a name='pfallback'></a>
660 <h4>The <tt>%fallback</tt> directive</h4>
661
662 <p>The %fallback directive specifies an alternative meaning for one
663 or more tokens. The alternative meaning is tried if the original token
664 would have generated a syntax error.
665
666 <p>The %fallback directive was added to support robust parsing of SQL
667 syntax in <a href="https://www.sqlite.org/">SQLite</a>.
668 The SQL language contains a large assortment of keywords, each of which
669 appears as a different token to the language parser. SQL contains so
670 many keywords, that it can be difficult for programmers to keep up with
671 them all. Programmers will, therefore, sometimes mistakenly use an
672 obscure language keyword for an identifier. The %fallback directive
673 provides a mechanism to tell the parser: "If you are unable to parse
674 this keyword, try treating it as an identifier instead."
675
676 <p>The syntax of %fallback is as follows:
677
678 <blockquote>
679 <tt>%fallback</tt> <i>ID</i> <i>TOKEN...</i> <b>.</b>
680 </blockquote>
681
682 <p>In words, the %fallback directive is followed by a list of token names
683 terminated by a period. The first token name is the fallback token - the
684 token to which all the other tokens fall back to. The second and subsequent
685 arguments are tokens which fall back to the token identified by the first
686 argument.
687
688 <a name='pifdef'></a>
689 <h4>The <tt>%ifdef</tt>, <tt>%ifndef</tt>, and <tt>%endif</tt> directives.</h4>
690
691 <p>The %ifdef, %ifndef, and %endif directives are similar to
692 #ifdef, #ifndef, and #endif in the C-preprocessor, just not as general.
693 Each of these directives must begin at the left margin. No whitespace
694 is allowed between the "%" and the directive name.
695
696 <p>Grammar text in between "%ifdef MACRO" and the next nested "%endif" is
697 ignored unless the "-DMACRO" command-line option is used. Grammar text
698 betwen "%ifndef MACRO" and the next nested "%endif" is included except when
699 the "-DMACRO" command-line option is used.
700
701 <p>Note that the argument to %ifdef and %ifndef must be a single
702 preprocessor symbol name, not a general expression. There is no "%else"
703 directive.
704
705
706 <a name='pinclude'></a>
637 <h4>The <tt>%include</tt> directive</h4> 707 <h4>The <tt>%include</tt> directive</h4>
638 708
639 <p>The %include directive specifies C code that is included at the 709 <p>The %include directive specifies C code that is included at the
640 top of the generated parser. You can include any text you want -- 710 top of the generated parser. You can include any text you want --
641 the Lemon parser generator copies it blindly. If you have multiple 711 the Lemon parser generator copies it blindly. If you have multiple
642 %include directives in your grammar file the value of the last 712 %include directives in your grammar file, their values are concatenated
643 %include directive overwrites all the others.</p. 713 so that all %include code ultimately appears near the top of the
714 generated parser, in the same order as it appeared in the grammer.</p>
644 715
645 <p>The %include directive is very handy for getting some extra #include 716 <p>The %include directive is very handy for getting some extra #include
646 preprocessor statements at the beginning of the generated parser. 717 preprocessor statements at the beginning of the generated parser.
647 For example:</p> 718 For example:</p>
648 719
649 <p><pre> 720 <p><pre>
650 %include {#include &lt;unistd.h&gt;} 721 %include {#include &lt;unistd.h&gt;}
651 </pre></p> 722 </pre></p>
652 723
653 <p>This might be needed, for example, if some of the C actions in the 724 <p>This might be needed, for example, if some of the C actions in the
654 grammar call functions that are prototyed in unistd.h.</p> 725 grammar call functions that are prototyed in unistd.h.</p>
655 726
727 <a name='pleft'></a>
656 <h4>The <tt>%left</tt> directive</h4> 728 <h4>The <tt>%left</tt> directive</h4>
657 729
658 The %left directive is used (along with the %right and 730 The %left directive is used (along with the <a href='#pright'>%right</a> and
659 %nonassoc directives) to declare precedences of terminal 731 <a href='#pnonassoc'>%nonassoc</a> directives) to declare precedences of
660 symbols. Every terminal symbol whose name appears after 732 terminal symbols. Every terminal symbol whose name appears after
661 a %left directive but before the next period (``.'') is 733 a %left directive but before the next period (".") is
662 given the same left-associative precedence value. Subsequent 734 given the same left-associative precedence value. Subsequent
663 %left directives have higher precedence. For example:</p> 735 %left directives have higher precedence. For example:</p>
664 736
665 <p><pre> 737 <p><pre>
666 %left AND. 738 %left AND.
667 %left OR. 739 %left OR.
668 %nonassoc EQ NE GT GE LT LE. 740 %nonassoc EQ NE GT GE LT LE.
669 %left PLUS MINUS. 741 %left PLUS MINUS.
670 %left TIMES DIVIDE MOD. 742 %left TIMES DIVIDE MOD.
671 %right EXP NOT. 743 %right EXP NOT.
672 </pre></p> 744 </pre></p>
673 745
674 <p>Note the period that terminates each %left, %right or %nonassoc 746 <p>Note the period that terminates each %left, %right or %nonassoc
675 directive.</p> 747 directive.</p>
676 748
677 <p>LALR(1) grammars can get into a situation where they require 749 <p>LALR(1) grammars can get into a situation where they require
678 a large amount of stack space if you make heavy use or right-associative 750 a large amount of stack space if you make heavy use or right-associative
679 operators. For this reason, it is recommended that you use %left 751 operators. For this reason, it is recommended that you use %left
680 rather than %right whenever possible.</p> 752 rather than %right whenever possible.</p>
681 753
754 <a name='pname'></a>
682 <h4>The <tt>%name</tt> directive</h4> 755 <h4>The <tt>%name</tt> directive</h4>
683 756
684 <p>By default, the functions generated by Lemon all begin with the 757 <p>By default, the functions generated by Lemon all begin with the
685 five-character string ``Parse''. You can change this string to something 758 five-character string "Parse". You can change this string to something
686 different using the %name directive. For instance:</p> 759 different using the %name directive. For instance:</p>
687 760
688 <p><pre> 761 <p><pre>
689 %name Abcde 762 %name Abcde
690 </pre></p> 763 </pre></p>
691 764
692 <p>Putting this directive in the grammar file will cause Lemon to generate 765 <p>Putting this directive in the grammar file will cause Lemon to generate
693 functions named 766 functions named
694 <ul> 767 <ul>
695 <li> AbcdeAlloc(), 768 <li> AbcdeAlloc(),
696 <li> AbcdeFree(), 769 <li> AbcdeFree(),
697 <li> AbcdeTrace(), and 770 <li> AbcdeTrace(), and
698 <li> Abcde(). 771 <li> Abcde().
699 </ul> 772 </ul>
700 The %name directive allows you to generator two or more different 773 The %name directive allows you to generator two or more different
701 parsers and link them all into the same executable. 774 parsers and link them all into the same executable.
702 </p> 775 </p>
703 776
777 <a name='pnonassoc'></a>
704 <h4>The <tt>%nonassoc</tt> directive</h4> 778 <h4>The <tt>%nonassoc</tt> directive</h4>
705 779
706 <p>This directive is used to assign non-associative precedence to 780 <p>This directive is used to assign non-associative precedence to
707 one or more terminal symbols. See the section on precedence rules 781 one or more terminal symbols. See the section on
708 or on the %left directive for additional information.</p> 782 <a href='#precrules'>precedence rules</a>
783 or on the <a href='#pleft'>%left</a> directive for additional information.</p>
709 784
785 <a name='parse_accept'></a>
710 <h4>The <tt>%parse_accept</tt> directive</h4> 786 <h4>The <tt>%parse_accept</tt> directive</h4>
711 787
712 <p>The %parse_accept directive specifies a block of C code that is 788 <p>The %parse_accept directive specifies a block of C code that is
713 executed whenever the parser accepts its input string. To ``accept'' 789 executed whenever the parser accepts its input string. To "accept"
714 an input string means that the parser was able to process all tokens 790 an input string means that the parser was able to process all tokens
715 without error.</p> 791 without error.</p>
716 792
717 <p>For example:</p> 793 <p>For example:</p>
718 794
719 <p><pre> 795 <p><pre>
720 %parse_accept { 796 %parse_accept {
721 printf("parsing complete!\n"); 797 printf("parsing complete!\n");
722 } 798 }
723 </pre></p> 799 </pre></p>
724 800
725 801 <a name='parse_failure'></a>
726 <h4>The <tt>%parse_failure</tt> directive</h4> 802 <h4>The <tt>%parse_failure</tt> directive</h4>
727 803
728 <p>The %parse_failure directive specifies a block of C code that 804 <p>The %parse_failure directive specifies a block of C code that
729 is executed whenever the parser fails complete. This code is not 805 is executed whenever the parser fails complete. This code is not
730 executed until the parser has tried and failed to resolve an input 806 executed until the parser has tried and failed to resolve an input
731 error using is usual error recovery strategy. The routine is 807 error using is usual error recovery strategy. The routine is
732 only invoked when parsing is unable to continue.</p> 808 only invoked when parsing is unable to continue.</p>
733 809
734 <p><pre> 810 <p><pre>
735 %parse_failure { 811 %parse_failure {
736 fprintf(stderr,"Giving up. Parser is hopelessly lost...\n"); 812 fprintf(stderr,"Giving up. Parser is hopelessly lost...\n");
737 } 813 }
738 </pre></p> 814 </pre></p>
739 815
816 <a name='pright'></a>
740 <h4>The <tt>%right</tt> directive</h4> 817 <h4>The <tt>%right</tt> directive</h4>
741 818
742 <p>This directive is used to assign right-associative precedence to 819 <p>This directive is used to assign right-associative precedence to
743 one or more terminal symbols. See the section on precedence rules 820 one or more terminal symbols. See the section on
744 or on the %left directive for additional information.</p> 821 <a href='#precrules'>precedence rules</a>
822 or on the <a href='#pleft'>%left</a> directive for additional information.</p>
745 823
824 <a name='stack_overflow'></a>
746 <h4>The <tt>%stack_overflow</tt> directive</h4> 825 <h4>The <tt>%stack_overflow</tt> directive</h4>
747 826
748 <p>The %stack_overflow directive specifies a block of C code that 827 <p>The %stack_overflow directive specifies a block of C code that
749 is executed if the parser's internal stack ever overflows. Typically 828 is executed if the parser's internal stack ever overflows. Typically
750 this just prints an error message. After a stack overflow, the parser 829 this just prints an error message. After a stack overflow, the parser
751 will be unable to continue and must be reset.</p> 830 will be unable to continue and must be reset.</p>
752 831
753 <p><pre> 832 <p><pre>
754 %stack_overflow { 833 %stack_overflow {
755 fprintf(stderr,"Giving up. Parser stack overflow\n"); 834 fprintf(stderr,"Giving up. Parser stack overflow\n");
756 } 835 }
757 </pre></p> 836 </pre></p>
758 837
759 <p>You can help prevent parser stack overflows by avoiding the use 838 <p>You can help prevent parser stack overflows by avoiding the use
760 of right recursion and right-precedence operators in your grammar. 839 of right recursion and right-precedence operators in your grammar.
761 Use left recursion and and left-precedence operators instead, to 840 Use left recursion and and left-precedence operators instead, to
762 encourage rules to reduce sooner and keep the stack size down. 841 encourage rules to reduce sooner and keep the stack size down.
763 For example, do rules like this: 842 For example, do rules like this:
764 <pre> 843 <pre>
765 list ::= list element. // left-recursion. Good! 844 list ::= list element. // left-recursion. Good!
766 list ::= . 845 list ::= .
767 </pre> 846 </pre>
768 Not like this: 847 Not like this:
769 <pre> 848 <pre>
770 list ::= element list. // right-recursion. Bad! 849 list ::= element list. // right-recursion. Bad!
771 list ::= . 850 list ::= .
772 </pre> 851 </pre>
773 852
853 <a name='stack_size'></a>
774 <h4>The <tt>%stack_size</tt> directive</h4> 854 <h4>The <tt>%stack_size</tt> directive</h4>
775 855
776 <p>If stack overflow is a problem and you can't resolve the trouble 856 <p>If stack overflow is a problem and you can't resolve the trouble
777 by using left-recursion, then you might want to increase the size 857 by using left-recursion, then you might want to increase the size
778 of the parser's stack using this directive. Put an positive integer 858 of the parser's stack using this directive. Put an positive integer
779 after the %stack_size directive and Lemon will generate a parse 859 after the %stack_size directive and Lemon will generate a parse
780 with a stack of the requested size. The default value is 100.</p> 860 with a stack of the requested size. The default value is 100.</p>
781 861
782 <p><pre> 862 <p><pre>
783 %stack_size 2000 863 %stack_size 2000
784 </pre></p> 864 </pre></p>
785 865
866 <a name='start_symbol'></a>
786 <h4>The <tt>%start_symbol</tt> directive</h4> 867 <h4>The <tt>%start_symbol</tt> directive</h4>
787 868
788 <p>By default, the start-symbol for the grammar that Lemon generates 869 <p>By default, the start-symbol for the grammar that Lemon generates
789 is the first non-terminal that appears in the grammar file. But you 870 is the first non-terminal that appears in the grammar file. But you
790 can choose a different start-symbol using the %start_symbol directive.</p> 871 can choose a different start-symbol using the %start_symbol directive.</p>
791 872
792 <p><pre> 873 <p><pre>
793 %start_symbol prog 874 %start_symbol prog
794 </pre></p> 875 </pre></p>
795 876
877 <a name='token_destructor'></a>
796 <h4>The <tt>%token_destructor</tt> directive</h4> 878 <h4>The <tt>%token_destructor</tt> directive</h4>
797 879
798 <p>The %destructor directive assigns a destructor to a non-terminal 880 <p>The %destructor directive assigns a destructor to a non-terminal
799 symbol. (See the description of the %destructor directive above.) 881 symbol. (See the description of the %destructor directive above.)
800 This directive does the same thing for all terminal symbols.</p> 882 This directive does the same thing for all terminal symbols.</p>
801 883
802 <p>Unlike non-terminal symbols which may each have a different data type 884 <p>Unlike non-terminal symbols which may each have a different data type
803 for their values, terminals all use the same data type (defined by 885 for their values, terminals all use the same data type (defined by
804 the %token_type directive) and so they use a common destructor. Other 886 the %token_type directive) and so they use a common destructor. Other
805 than that, the token destructor works just like the non-terminal 887 than that, the token destructor works just like the non-terminal
806 destructors.</p> 888 destructors.</p>
807 889
890 <a name='token_prefix'></a>
808 <h4>The <tt>%token_prefix</tt> directive</h4> 891 <h4>The <tt>%token_prefix</tt> directive</h4>
809 892
810 <p>Lemon generates #defines that assign small integer constants 893 <p>Lemon generates #defines that assign small integer constants
811 to each terminal symbol in the grammar. If desired, Lemon will 894 to each terminal symbol in the grammar. If desired, Lemon will
812 add a prefix specified by this directive 895 add a prefix specified by this directive
813 to each of the #defines it generates. 896 to each of the #defines it generates.
814 So if the default output of Lemon looked like this: 897 So if the default output of Lemon looked like this:
815 <pre> 898 <pre>
816 #define AND 1 899 #define AND 1
817 #define MINUS 2 900 #define MINUS 2
818 #define OR 3 901 #define OR 3
819 #define PLUS 4 902 #define PLUS 4
820 </pre> 903 </pre>
821 You can insert a statement into the grammar like this: 904 You can insert a statement into the grammar like this:
822 <pre> 905 <pre>
823 %token_prefix TOKEN_ 906 %token_prefix TOKEN_
824 </pre> 907 </pre>
825 to cause Lemon to produce these symbols instead: 908 to cause Lemon to produce these symbols instead:
826 <pre> 909 <pre>
827 #define TOKEN_AND 1 910 #define TOKEN_AND 1
828 #define TOKEN_MINUS 2 911 #define TOKEN_MINUS 2
829 #define TOKEN_OR 3 912 #define TOKEN_OR 3
830 #define TOKEN_PLUS 4 913 #define TOKEN_PLUS 4
831 </pre> 914 </pre>
832 915
916 <a name='token_type'></a><a name='ptype'></a>
833 <h4>The <tt>%token_type</tt> and <tt>%type</tt> directives</h4> 917 <h4>The <tt>%token_type</tt> and <tt>%type</tt> directives</h4>
834 918
835 <p>These directives are used to specify the data types for values 919 <p>These directives are used to specify the data types for values
836 on the parser's stack associated with terminal and non-terminal 920 on the parser's stack associated with terminal and non-terminal
837 symbols. The values of all terminal symbols must be of the same 921 symbols. The values of all terminal symbols must be of the same
838 type. This turns out to be the same data type as the 3rd parameter 922 type. This turns out to be the same data type as the 3rd parameter
839 to the Parse() function generated by Lemon. Typically, you will 923 to the Parse() function generated by Lemon. Typically, you will
840 make the value of a terminal symbol by a pointer to some kind of 924 make the value of a terminal symbol by a pointer to some kind of
841 token structure. Like this:</p> 925 token structure. Like this:</p>
842 926
843 <p><pre> 927 <p><pre>
844 %token_type {Token*} 928 %token_type {Token*}
845 </pre></p> 929 </pre></p>
846 930
847 <p>If the data type of terminals is not specified, the default value 931 <p>If the data type of terminals is not specified, the default value
848 is ``int''.</p> 932 is "void*".</p>
849 933
850 <p>Non-terminal symbols can each have their own data types. Typically 934 <p>Non-terminal symbols can each have their own data types. Typically
851 the data type of a non-terminal is a pointer to the root of a parse-tree 935 the data type of a non-terminal is a pointer to the root of a parse-tree
852 structure that contains all information about that non-terminal. 936 structure that contains all information about that non-terminal.
853 For example:</p> 937 For example:</p>
854 938
855 <p><pre> 939 <p><pre>
856 %type expr {Expr*} 940 %type expr {Expr*}
857 </pre></p> 941 </pre></p>
858 942
859 <p>Each entry on the parser's stack is actually a union containing 943 <p>Each entry on the parser's stack is actually a union containing
860 instances of all data types for every non-terminal and terminal symbol. 944 instances of all data types for every non-terminal and terminal symbol.
861 Lemon will automatically use the correct element of this union depending 945 Lemon will automatically use the correct element of this union depending
862 on what the corresponding non-terminal or terminal symbol is. But 946 on what the corresponding non-terminal or terminal symbol is. But
863 the grammar designer should keep in mind that the size of the union 947 the grammar designer should keep in mind that the size of the union
864 will be the size of its largest element. So if you have a single 948 will be the size of its largest element. So if you have a single
865 non-terminal whose data type requires 1K of storage, then your 100 949 non-terminal whose data type requires 1K of storage, then your 100
866 entry parser stack will require 100K of heap space. If you are willing 950 entry parser stack will require 100K of heap space. If you are willing
867 and able to pay that price, fine. You just need to know.</p> 951 and able to pay that price, fine. You just need to know.</p>
868 952
953 <a name='pwildcard'></a>
954 <h4>The <tt>%wildcard</tt> directive</h4>
955
956 <p>The %wildcard directive is followed by a single token name and a
957 period. This directive specifies that the identified token should
958 match any input token.
959
960 <p>When the generated parser has the choice of matching an input against
961 the wildcard token and some other token, the other token is always used.
962 The wildcard token is only matched if there are no other alternatives.
963
869 <h3>Error Processing</h3> 964 <h3>Error Processing</h3>
870 965
871 <p>After extensive experimentation over several years, it has been 966 <p>After extensive experimentation over several years, it has been
872 discovered that the error recovery strategy used by yacc is about 967 discovered that the error recovery strategy used by yacc is about
873 as good as it gets. And so that is what Lemon uses.</p> 968 as good as it gets. And so that is what Lemon uses.</p>
874 969
875 <p>When a Lemon-generated parser encounters a syntax error, it 970 <p>When a Lemon-generated parser encounters a syntax error, it
876 first invokes the code specified by the %syntax_error directive, if 971 first invokes the code specified by the %syntax_error directive, if
877 any. It then enters its error recovery strategy. The error recovery 972 any. It then enters its error recovery strategy. The error recovery
878 strategy is to begin popping the parsers stack until it enters a 973 strategy is to begin popping the parsers stack until it enters a
879 state where it is permitted to shift a special non-terminal symbol 974 state where it is permitted to shift a special non-terminal symbol
880 named ``error''. It then shifts this non-terminal and continues 975 named "error". It then shifts this non-terminal and continues
881 parsing. But the %syntax_error routine will not be called again 976 parsing. But the %syntax_error routine will not be called again
882 until at least three new tokens have been successfully shifted.</p> 977 until at least three new tokens have been successfully shifted.</p>
883 978
884 <p>If the parser pops its stack until the stack is empty, and it still 979 <p>If the parser pops its stack until the stack is empty, and it still
885 is unable to shift the error symbol, then the %parse_failed routine 980 is unable to shift the error symbol, then the %parse_failed routine
886 is invoked and the parser resets itself to its start state, ready 981 is invoked and the parser resets itself to its start state, ready
887 to begin parsing a new file. This is what will happen at the very 982 to begin parsing a new file. This is what will happen at the very
888 first syntax error, of course, if there are no instances of the 983 first syntax error, of course, if there are no instances of the
889 ``error'' non-terminal in your grammar.</p> 984 "error" non-terminal in your grammar.</p>
890 985
891 </body> 986 </body>
892 </html> 987 </html>
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