Formal semantics of a SNOBOL4 subset

  • Authors:

  • F. G. Pagan

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

  • Venue:
  • Computer Languages
  • Year:
  • 1978

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Abstract

The Vienna Definition Language is used to formally define the semantics of a basic but useful subset of SNOBOL4. A brief, informal description of the subset is given, and its concrete syntax and abstract syntax are defined formally. The structure of an abstract interpreter for programs expressed in the subset is specified. The main part of the paper presents the detailed interpretation rules dealing with statement sequencing and execution, evaluation of expressions, pattern matching, and function invocation.