This section contains overview of Alpag operation principles. It describes the motivation behind automatic parser and lexer generation as well as basic properties of generated parsers and lexers. Brief explanation of principles of operation of algorithms used by Alpag is also included.
Contents of this chapter cannot replace a full course in lexer or parser design. It is intended to provide an absolute minimum of information necessary to work with Alpag and understand operating principles of generated lexers and parsers.
Readers familiar with general concepts of lexer and parser generation can safely skip this chapter and continue to First steps section.
Please note, that this chapter does not present nor discuss all existing methods for parsing. It focuses strictly on approach and algorithms used by Alpag. As such it should not be considered an exhaustive source of information on parsing. A more inquisitive reader, interested in theoretical background behind parsing should consult one of publications included is Bibliography section.