Title:
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Heuristic methods in the analysis of program statements
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A generalised system for language analysis and local
modification is described.The analysis can be in terms of
any a priori unit of the language;such as a statement in
the FORTRAN language.
A description of the language.is provided as input data
from which the system constructs a tree—structured hierarchy.
This hierarchy then directs and controls the subsequent
analysis and possible modification of particular units in the
given language.At the same time the system collects detailed
information on the structure of all units analysed.
Periodically,the normal process of analysis is suspended,
and the analytic information stored within the tree—structured
hierarchy is utilised by mechanisms designed on heuristic
principles to optimise the subsequent processing.The optimisation
derives both from modifications to the basic tree—structured hierarchy
and also insertion of extra control information
within this hierarchy.
This results in an increased processing rate for the units
analysed and an improved ability to deal with errors,including
'errors' which are definitionally correct but very 'unlikely'.
The analyser is applied as a recogniser for statements
written in the FORTRAN language by programmers working in
industrial and university enviroments,comprising a 'normal'
computer workload in those enviroments,and the results of the
analysis are presented and discussed.
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