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Arithmetic Expressions in Compiler Design

The document discusses the role of context-free grammar (CFG) in constructing arithmetic expressions in compiler design, outlining its purpose in syntax definition, parser guidance, and Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) construction. It provides a sample grammar for arithmetic expressions, explains the grammar rules, and illustrates an example derivation with operator precedence and associativity. Additionally, it describes the practical application of these concepts in compilers, including lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, and code generation.

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johns.james1600
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52 views3 pages

Arithmetic Expressions in Compiler Design

The document discusses the role of context-free grammar (CFG) in constructing arithmetic expressions in compiler design, outlining its purpose in syntax definition, parser guidance, and Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) construction. It provides a sample grammar for arithmetic expressions, explains the grammar rules, and illustrates an example derivation with operator precedence and associativity. Additionally, it describes the practical application of these concepts in compilers, including lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, and code generation.

Uploaded by

johns.james1600
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In compiler design, arithmetic expressions are constructed using grammar rules, typically

represented using context-free grammar (CFG). These grammar rules define how expressions
can be formed from smaller sub-expressions, operators, and operands (like variables and
constants).

🔧 Purpose of Grammar in Arithmetic Expressions

● Syntax definition: It specifies the valid structure of expressions.


● Parser guidance: Helps the parser understand and analyze the expression structure.
● AST construction: Provides the foundation for building Abstract Syntax Trees.

📐 Sample Grammar for Arithmetic Expressions

A simple grammar to construct arithmetic expressions with +, -, *, /, parentheses, and


identifiers/numbers might look like this:

E→E+T|E-T|T

T→T*F|T/F|F
F → (E) | id | num

Where:

● E is an expression
● T is a term
● F is a factor
● id represents an identifier (e.g., variable name)
● num represents a number (e.g., 42, 3.14)

🔄 Explanation of Grammar Rules

● E→E+T|E-T|T
○ An expression can be a sum or difference of two terms, or just a term.
● T→T*F|T/F|F
○ A term can be a product or quotient of two factors, or just a factor.
● F → (E) | id | num
○ A factor can be a parenthesized expression, an identifier, or a number.

📊 Example Derivation

Let's derive:

a + b * (c - d)

Step-by-step using the grammar:

1. E → E + T
2. E → T and T → F and F → id (a)
3. T → T * F
4. T → F and F → id (b)
5. F → (E) where E → E - T, E → F (c), T → F (d)

Derivation Tree (Abstract Syntax Tree):

(+)
/ \
(a) (*)
/ \
(b) (-)
/\
(c) (d)

📌 Operator Precedence and Associativity

This grammar enforces operator precedence:

● * and / bind tighter (higher precedence) than + and -


● Because T is used in E and F in T, multiplication/division must resolve before
addition/subtraction

It also enforces left associativity, e.g., for a - b - c:

E → E - T → (E - T) - T
Evaluated as: (a - b) - c

🛠️ In Practice

In compilers:

● Lexical analyzer identifies tokens: id, num, operators, and parentheses.


● Parser uses the grammar to build the parse tree or AST.
● Semantic analysis ensures types are compatible.
● Code generation translates the AST into machine/intermediate code.

Let me know if you'd like this visualized with a parse tree diagram or converted into a syntax-
directed definition (SDD)!

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