Attribute Grammar
Attribute Grammar is a formal specification method used in computer science to define the semantics of context-free grammars by associating attributes (values) with grammar symbols. It extends context-free grammars by adding semantic rules that compute attribute values, enabling the description of complex language properties like type checking, code generation, and optimization in compilers and language processors. This concept is foundational for implementing syntax-directed translation and semantic analysis in programming language design.
Developers should learn Attribute Grammar when working on compiler construction, language design, or tools that require semantic analysis, as it provides a structured way to specify and compute semantic information beyond syntax. It is particularly useful for implementing features like type inference, constant folding, and intermediate code generation in compilers, interpreters, and domain-specific languages, ensuring correctness and efficiency in language processing.