Programming Language Syntax and Semantics

This book introduces students to the formal methods of specifying the syntax and semantics of programming languages. For syntax, context-free grammars (BNF) and regular expressions are covered. For semantics, the methods of algebraic semantics, denotational semantics and action semantics are covered. Students should learn how to understand formal specifications of programming languages, how to write such specifications and how they may inform the process of language design. The text contains a treatment of syntax and semantics, and coverage of several complementary semantic methods, with emphasis on using formal specification. There is brief coverage of underlying theory (and pointers to further reading), and an introduction to action semantics - a new method of specifying semantics.