Development of Parsing Tools for CASL Using Generic Language Technology

An environment for the Common Algebraic Speci cation Language CASL consists of several independent tools. A number of CASL tools have been built using the algebraic speci cation formalism ASF+SDF and the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment. CASL supports user-de ned syntax which is non-trivial to process: ASF+SDF o ers a powerful parsing technology (Generalized LR). Its interactive development environment facilitates rapid prototyping complemented by early detection and correction of errors. A number of core technologies developed for the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment can be reused in the context of CASL. Furthermore, an instantiation of a generic format developed for the representation of ASF+SDF speci cations and terms provides a CASL-speci c exchange format. 1999 ACM Computing Classi cation System: D.2.6, D.2.m, D.3.1, D.3.4, E.1