Backus-Naur Form (BNF) is a metasyntax notation used to describe the syntax of context-free grammars in computer science. It is often used to specify the syntax of programming languages, document formats, instruction sets, and communication protocols. BNF is known as the most famous example of a meta-language as it characterizes a programming language’s syntax.
What is the History of Backus-Naur Form?
BNF was developed by John W. Backus and Peter Naur. It was first used to describe the syntax of Algol 60 in the 1960s. Since then, it has become a standard tool for specifying the syntax of programming languages and other computer-related languages.
How Does BNF Work?
BNF uses a set of production rules and symbols to define the syntax of a grammar. The production rule set typically involves a non-terminal symbol and one or more sequences of symbol sequences. The vertical bar ‘|’ separates sequence options, and symbols on the left side of the production rule are non-terminals. On the other hand, symbols appearing on the right side are considered terminals.
What is BNF Used For?
BNF is used in many software development materials, such as language development books, manuals, and technical specifications to define the language and its syntax. It is also used to create parsers and compilers for programming languages.
Conclusion
Backus-Naur Form (BNF) is a widely-used metasyntax notation for defining the syntax of computer-related languages, including instruction sets, programming languages, document formats, and communication protocols. It was developed by John W. Backus and Peter Naur in the 1960s and is used in many programming language books, manuals, and technical specifications to precisely define the language syntax, in addition to creating compilers and parsers for programming languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is BNF?
BNF stands for Backus-Naur Form, which is a metasyntax notation used to describe the syntax of context-free grammars in computer science used to describe various computer-related languages.
- Who created BNF?
BNF was developed by John W. Backus and Peter Naur in the 1960s, primarily to describe the syntax of the Algol 60 programming language.
- What is the purpose of BNF?
BNF is used to define the syntax of various computer-related languages, including programming languages, instruction sets, document formats, and communication protocols, to name a few. It is also used to develop parsers and compilers for programming languages.
