rfc:ast_based_parsing_compilation_process

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rfc:ast_based_parsing_compilation_process [2012/09/07 14:01] – nikicrfc:ast_based_parsing_compilation_process [2014/08/18 16:45] – nikic
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   * Date: 2012-09-04   * Date: 2012-09-04
   * Author: Nikita Popov <nikic@php.net>   * Author: Nikita Popov <nikic@php.net>
-  * Status: Under Discussion+  * Status: Obsolete 
 +  * [[http://markmail.org/message/trt5oz5uioxe3fdv|Mailing list discussion]] 
 +  * Superseded by: [[rfc:abstract_syntax_tree|Abstract Syntax Tree RFC]]
  
 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
 +
 +**Note: This RFC has been superseded by another [[rfc:abstract_syntax_tree|Abstract Syntax Tree RFC]].**
  
 Currently PHP uses a single-pass compilation process, i.e. the parser directly invokes opcode compilation routines. Most other languages on the other hand use an intermediary structure to separate those two phases: The parser only emits an abstract syntax tree (AST), which is then used by a separate compiler to emit instructions. The use of an AST decouples the two phases and as such allows for greater flexibility and deeper analysis. Currently PHP uses a single-pass compilation process, i.e. the parser directly invokes opcode compilation routines. Most other languages on the other hand use an intermediary structure to separate those two phases: The parser only emits an abstract syntax tree (AST), which is then used by a separate compiler to emit instructions. The use of an AST decouples the two phases and as such allows for greater flexibility and deeper analysis.
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 With the current single-pass compiler some things are very hard / near impossible to implement. This actively influences syntax decisions. With the current single-pass compiler some things are very hard / near impossible to implement. This actively influences syntax decisions.
  
-Two examples of syntax that is currently not possible, but would be possible with a syntax tree:+A few examples of syntax that is currently not possible, but would be possible with a syntax tree:
  
   * Array destructuring using something like ''[$a, $b, $c] = $array'' instead of a dedicated ''list()'' syntax. This is common in other languages, but not possible in PHP.   * Array destructuring using something like ''[$a, $b, $c] = $array'' instead of a dedicated ''list()'' syntax. This is common in other languages, but not possible in PHP.
   * List comprehensions / generator expressions where the result expression comes first, e.g. ''[x * x for x in list]'' in Python. In PHP only the reverse syntax is possible: ''[foreach ($list as $x) yield $x * $x]''   * List comprehensions / generator expressions where the result expression comes first, e.g. ''[x * x for x in list]'' in Python. In PHP only the reverse syntax is possible: ''[foreach ($list as $x) yield $x * $x]''
 +  * C#-style expression trees (which form the basis for LINQ)
  
 Apart from larger syntax limitations the current system commonly also affects smaller syntax decisions. One example here are the strange parentheses requirements for the ''yield'' expression. Those requirements exist solely for technical reasons and would not be required with an AST-generating parser. Apart from larger syntax limitations the current system commonly also affects smaller syntax decisions. One example here are the strange parentheses requirements for the ''yield'' expression. Those requirements exist solely for technical reasons and would not be required with an AST-generating parser.
rfc/ast_based_parsing_compilation_process.txt · Last modified: 2017/09/22 13:28 by 127.0.0.1

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