Syntax-directed editor generator for meta system

Abstract

Most existing meta systems are batch-type for specifying information processing systems. That is, both definition of Life-cycle Support System (LSS) and specification of target system take a file which contains a program described with specification language. But programs with specification language is not merely characters and lines, but has a structured formalism. Hence, to acquire information efficiently, an interactive input processor can be constructed syntax-directedly. Particularly, since meta systems are based on a specific data model with formalism, description of software system can be designed using model information effectively. The purpose of the syntax-directed editor generator(SDE generator) is the generation of editors that support syntax-directedly editing environments specifying LSS``s and target systems. This generator, a part of meta system, generates SDE which fits into a present LSS and acts as an input processor. Moreover, SDE generator itself if syntax-directed. SDE is an interactive editor which refers to model information when it needs. To provide more convenient editing environments, SDE is menu-based and edits by object unit. To slove differences To solve differences of data views among components of the generator, interfaces such as meta table interface, ECR interface, and abstract workstation interface were implemented. SDE provides convenient and effective specification environments by supporting syntactics and semantics of meta system as well as LSS``s.