Syntax Checker in
C Language
Introduction to Syntax Checking
What is Syntax Checking? Why is it Important?
Syntax checking is the process of verifying whether a program is It helps identify errors in code before compilation, preventing
written according to the grammatical rules of the programming bugs and improving the overall quality of the software.
language.
C Language Syntax Rules
1 Keywords 2 Identifiers
Reserved words that have Names given to variables,
special meanings, like "int", functions, and other program
"float", "if", and "else". elements.
3 Operators 4 Data Types
Symbols used to perform Specifies the type of data a
operations, like "+", "-", "*", variable can hold, like "int" for
and "/". integers and "char" for
characters.
Common Syntax Errors in C
Missing Semicolon Mismatched
Parentheses
Every statement in C must end
with a semicolon (;). Parentheses must be balanced,
with the same number of opening
and closing parentheses.
Undefined Variables Invalid Operators
Variables must be declared Operators must be used
before they are used. correctly, with appropriate
operands.
Implementing a Syntax
Checker
Lexical Analysis Syntactic Analysis
Breaking down the code into individual Building a parse tree representing the
tokens, such as keywords, identifiers, structure of the program based on
and operators. grammar rules.
Error Reporting
Generating informative error messages
that pinpoint the location and nature of
the errors.
Parsing and Tokenizing C Code
Tokens are organized into a sequence, representing the code's
The code is read character by character. structure.
1 2 3
Tokens are identified, like keywords, identifiers, operators, and
literals.
Error Detection and
Reporting
Syntax Rule Violations
The parser checks if the sequence of tokens adheres to the
grammar.
Error Location
The location of the error is identified and recorded.
Error Message
An informative message is generated, explaining the error and
its location in the code.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Benefits
1 Improved Code Quality, Reduced Debugging Time, Early Error Detection
Applications
2
Code Editors, Compilers, IDEs
Future Development
3 Advanced Error Recovery, Static Analysis, Semantic Checking
