What to choose fsyacc/fslex or FParsec?

Question

I need to parse simple DSL language like the following:

import "library.txt"

def <int, bool, byte> main(int param1, bool param2)
{
    var a = f4(param1); // or var d = f1(f2(f3(f4(param1))));
    var b = f3(a);
    var c = f2(b);
    var d = f1(c);

    return <d, param2, b0>;
}

What is the most suitable tool to parse such kind of language?

If you go with FsYaac/FsLex then I highly recommend the [F# Parsed Language Starter](http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/a075ff98-7e6f-47ce-a23c-838c1e488046/) template - it avoids having to play around with the command prompt. — Samuel, Jul 21 '11 at 16:43

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 21 '11 at 12:15

4

Lex/Yacc are usually better for complete languages with complicated grammars. Parsec is faster to work with when you have short semi-simple tasks. I think that for your case, Lex/Yacc would be much more suitable.

answered Jul 21 '11 at 12:15

Ramon Snir

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score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 21 '11 at 18:47

4

You might find this bullet-point comparison of FParsec with parser generator tools (e.g. fslex & fsyacc) and "hand‐written" recursive descent parsers useful for choosing between the available alternatives.

answered Jul 21 '11 at 18:47

Stephan Tolksdorf

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score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 05 '13 at 02:55

1

What is the most suitable tool to parse such kind of language?

I would use active patterns.

answered Oct 05 '13 at 02:55

J D

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What to choose fsyacc/fslex or FParsec?

3 Answers3