A method of syntax-checking ALGOL 60

Abstract

A syntax checker was designed based on the syntax of ALGOL as described in the ALGOL 60 Report [ Communications of the ACM , May 1960]. Since the definition of the elements of the language is recursive it seemed most desirable to design the syntax checker as a set of mutually recursive processors tied together by subroutines which perform certain bookkeeping functions. Because of the recursive nature of the language and of the syntax checker the problem of recovery after an error required much attention. A method was devised which permits most programs to be checked completely despite errors.