The design and implementation of a table driven compiler system

The broader application of digital computers to various areas of studies has prompted the design and usage of special purpose problem-oriented programming languages. Although designing and writing a compiler for a special purpose language is no more a mysterious task as it was ten years ago, it is still, in most cases, a very tedious task that might take a large number of man-months to perform. The purpose of designing a generalized table-driven compiler system is to allow a user to write his own compiler for his special language at a reduction of the time currently required in the implementation of a compiler for a new source language. It should be pointed out that not only can a user design a compiler of his own but he can also make modifications, large or slight, to an existing compiler developed with the system. This, therefore, also provides an ideal simulation environment in connection with the implementation of new ideas in translation process. This particular line of development in translation systems naturally lends itself to the increasing use of digital computers in a time-sharing environment.