JavaCC (Java Compiler Compiler) is an open-source parser generator and lexical analyzer generator written in the Java programming language.
JavaCC is similar to yacc in that it generates a parser from a formal grammar written in EBNF notation. Unlike yacc, however, JavaCC generates top-down parsers. JavaCC can resolve choices based on the next k input tokens, and so can handle LL(k) grammars automatically; by use of "lookahead specifications", it can also resolve choices requiring unbounded look ahead. JavaCC also generates lexical analyzers in a fashion similar to lex. The tree builder that accompanies it, JJTree, constructs its trees from the bottom up.
JavaCC is licensed under a BSD license.
History
In 1996, Sun Microsystems released a parser generator called Jack. The developers responsible for Jack created their own company called Metamata and changed the Jack name to JavaCC. Metamata eventually became part of WebGain. After WebGain shut down its operations, JavaCC was moved to its current home.
Uses
Software built using JavaCC includes:
- Apache Derby
- BeanShell
- FreeMarker
- PMD
- Vaadin
- Apache Lucene
- JavaParser
See also
- Computer programming portal
- Free and open-source software portal
External links
- Official website
- Java Compiler Compiler (JavaCC) - The Java Parser Generator
- JavaCC's New Official Website by April 2017
- JavaCC Tutorial
- JavaCC FAQ
- A JavaCC book - Generating Parsers with JavaCC Archived 2014-03-11 at the Wayback Machine
References
Enseling, Oliver (2000-12-29). "Build your own languages with JavaCC". JavaWorld. Retrieved 2020-01-02. https://www.javaworld.com/article/2076269/build-your-own-languages-with-javacc.html ↩