Programming language syntax and semantics / David A. Watt ; with a contribution by Muffy Thomas.

By: Watt, David A. (David Anthony).

Contributor(s): Thomas, Muffy .

Material type: materialTypeLabel

BookSeries: Prentice-Hall international series in computer science.Publisher: New York : Prentice Hall, 1991Description: xvi, 389 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.ISBN: 0137262663; 0137262744.Subject(s): Programming languages (Electronic computers) -- Syntax

| Programming languages (Electronic computers) -- Semantics

DDC classification: 005.13

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General Lending	MTU Bishopstown Library Store Item	005.13 (Browse shelf(Opens below))	1	Available		00015241

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Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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 an introduction to action semantics - a new method of specifying semantics.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 377-380) and index.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Watt (University of Glasgow) has written the second in a series of three books that present a broad study of all aspects of programming languages, using a consistent set of notations and emphasizing connections between diverse parts of the subject often missed. The first, Programming Language Concepts and Paradigms (CH, Feb'90), laid the groundwork by presenting the concepts found in various programming languages. The present book focuses on the specification of programming languages in both syntax (form) and semantics (intended meaning). As the formal specification of syntax is widely used and well understood, Watt's major emphasis and the major value of this book (as this subject is treated lightly if at all by most books on programming languages) is on specification of semantics. He gives a very readable presentation of two widely used methods, denotational semantics and algebraic semantics, and then presents for the first time outside a monograph or article a new, potentially more accessible technique called "action semantics." All methods are illustrated fully and applied to a simple model Pascal-like language "Triangle." As in his earlier book, Watt's writing is very clear and readable. Recommended for upper-level undergraduates.-H. D. Warner, Western New England College