Meta-generation of syntax-oriented editors

Abstract

A method for automatic generation of syntax-oriented editors (SOE) for high level programming languages is presented. It is based on a special template definition metalanguage. The SOE functional environment including the operations with source files and internal representation of the programs in form of abstract syntax tree was implemented as an independent modular structure. As a result of target language metadescription processing the SOE for this language is generated by a special preprocessor. Depending on user's experience level (novice, advanced, etc.), generation of various SOE for the same language by changing a level of descriptions of phrases and templates is also possible.