Context-Sensitive Grammar
Context-sensitive grammar (CSG) is a formal grammar in computational linguistics and computer science where production rules can depend on the context of symbols. It is more powerful than context-free grammars, allowing rules like αAβ → αγβ, where A is a non-terminal and α, β, and γ are strings of terminals and non-terminals. CSGs are used to describe languages that require context, such as natural languages or certain programming language constructs.
Developers should learn context-sensitive grammars when working on compilers, natural language processing, or formal language theory, as they model complex syntactic structures that context-free grammars cannot handle. For example, they are essential for parsing languages with dependencies like variable declarations or agreement rules in human languages, making them crucial for advanced language design and analysis tools.