A study on the semantic analyzer of an objective-c compiler based on AST-semantic tree transformation

Abstract

The semantic analyzer is a processing module in a compiler that analyzes the validity of a meaning resulting from the combination of a program's components. This process is an indispensable part of a compiler. It uses the attribute grammar method or the manual method; however, the methodology has limitations in terms of efficiency or automation. In this study, in order to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, a semantic tree that contains the analyzed information will be defined and a technique to convert the abstract syntax tree used in most compilers - a result of syntax analysis - into a semantic tree will be proposed. The semantic tree transformation technique carries out semantic analysis at the level of a semantic node unit and the semantic analysis process is carried out consistently and efficiently. In addition, the semantic tree transformation makes transformation of data structures and automation very simple. ©2014 International Information Institute.