Abstract
Within the context of (software) language engineering, language descriptions are considered first class citizens. One of the ways to describe languages is by means of a metamodel, which represents the abstract syntax of the language. Unfortunately, in this process many language engineers forget the fact that a language also needs a concrete syntax and a semantics. In this paper I argue that neither of these can be discarded from a language description. In a good language description the abstract syntax is the central element, which functions as pivot between concrete syntax and semantics. Furthermore, both concrete syntax and semantics should be described in a well-defined formalism.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 9 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Event | 4th International Workshop on Software Language Engineering, ATEM 2007 - Nashville, United States Duration: 1 Oct 2007 → 1 Oct 2007 Conference number: 4 |
Workshop
Workshop | 4th International Workshop on Software Language Engineering, ATEM 2007 |
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Abbreviated title | ATEM |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Nashville |
Period | 1/10/07 → 1/10/07 |