Syntax Directed Program Modularization

Abstract

The intent of this paper is to illustrate the following general ideas:

-- Use of the context free grammar of a programming language as an integrated part of its programming system.

-- Reconsideration of the border line between language and system.

-- Systematic modularization of programs for the various translation phases.

The specific ideas presented in this paper are language independent methods for handling:

-- Modularization of programs.

-- Separate translation in the form of context sensitive parsing (type checking) of modules.

-- Protection of part of a module, e.g. protection of the representation of an abstract data type.

The mechanism for modularization is unusual as it is based on the context-free syntax of the language. A module may be a sentential form generated by any nonterminal of the grammar.