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Syntax Directed Translation

Syntax-Directed Translation (SDT) is a compiler design method that combines syntax analysis with semantic rules to convert source code into various forms, ensuring efficient and accurate translation. It utilizes attributes associated with grammar rules to facilitate tasks like code generation and error handling, with both synthesized and inherited attributes playing key roles. While SDT offers advantages such as ease of implementation and efficient code generation, it also has limitations, including limited expressiveness and inflexibility in handling complex translation rules.

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28 views7 pages

Syntax Directed Translation

Syntax-Directed Translation (SDT) is a compiler design method that combines syntax analysis with semantic rules to convert source code into various forms, ensuring efficient and accurate translation. It utilizes attributes associated with grammar rules to facilitate tasks like code generation and error handling, with both synthesized and inherited attributes playing key roles. While SDT offers advantages such as ease of implementation and efficient code generation, it also has limitations, including limited expressiveness and inflexibility in handling complex translation rules.

Uploaded by

sarah .s
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Syntax-Directed Translation

by sarah syed

22L51A7213
Introduction:
Syntax-Directed Translation (SDT) is a method used in compiler design to convert source code into another form while
analyzing its structure. It integrates syntax analysis (parsing) with semantic rules to produce intermediate code, machine
code, or optimized instructions.

In SDT, each grammar rule is linked with semantic actions that define how translation should occur. These actions help in
tasks like evaluating expressions, checking types, generating code, and handling errors.

SDT ensures a systematic and structured way of translating programs, allowing information to be processed bottom-up or
top-down through the parse tree. This makes translation efficient and accurate, ensuring that every part of the input
program is correctly transformed into its executable form.
SDT relies on three key elements:

1. Lexical values of nodes (such as variable names or numbers).


2. Constants used in computations.
3. Attributes associated with non-terminals that store intermediate
results.

The general process of SDT involves constructing a parse tree or syntax


tree, then computing the values of attributes by visiting its nodes in a
specific order. However, in many cases, translation can be performed
directly during parsing, without explicitly building the tree.
Attributes in Syntax-Directed Translation
An attribute is any quantity associated with a programming construct in a parse tree. Attributes help in carrying semantic
information during the compilation process.

Examples of Attributes:

Data types of variables


Line numbers for error handling

Instruction details for code generation


Types of Attributes
1.Synthesized Attributes

Defined by a semantic rule associated with the production at node N


in the parse tree. Computed only using the attribute values of the
children and the node itself. Mostly used in bottom-up evaluation.

2. Inherited Attributes

Defined by a semantic rule associated with the parent production of


node N. Computed using the attribute values of the parent, siblings,
and the node itself. Used in top-down evaluation.
Advantages of Syntax Directed Translation:
Ease of implementation: SDT is a simple and easy-to-implement method for translating a programming language. It provides a
clear and structured way to specify translation rules using grammar rules.

Separation of concerns: SDT separates the translation process from the parsing process, making it easier to modify and maintain
the compiler. It also separates the translation concerns from the parsing concerns, allowing for more modular and extensible
compiler designs.

Efficient code generation: SDT enables the generation of efficient code by optimizing the translation process. It allows for the use
of techniques such as intermediate code generation and code optimization.
Disadvantages of Syntax Directed Translation:
Limited expressiveness: SDT has limited expressiveness in comparison to other translation methods, such as attribute
grammars. This limits the types of translations that can be performed using SDT.

Inflexibility: SDT can be inflexible in situations where the translation rules are complex and cannot be easily expressed using
grammar rules.

Limited error recovery: SDT is limited in its ability to recover from errors during the translation process. This can result in poor
error messages and may make it difficult to locate and fix errors in the input program.

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