Object oriented extension of attribute grammars and its implementation using distributed attribute evaluation algorithm

Abstract

Attribute grammars, as originally introduced by D.E.Knuth, have been exploited in conjunction with automated compiler generation from its description and other programming language related tools which are written using static semantics. Although it is well recognized through these applications that attribute grammars is useful in manipulation of large and complex data structures generally appear in today’s computer systems, it is prevented from being used in such applications because of its weakness in describing dynamic semantics often required for them. This paper introduces an extension of attribute grammars based on the object-oriented programming paradigm, which supports describing the dynamic behavior of the system of persistent objects, including modifications of attribute values and tree structures, while preserving the advantages of standard attribute grammars. We also introduce a distributed attribute evaluation algorithm based on message passing among objects. This algorithm is a natural way of implementing a large system of objects based in our model. The algorithm is asymptotically time optimal, and also has important properties which are required for application of the model to systems such as software databases, where attribute evaluation involves human interaction.