Is JavaCC able to generate a parser for C/C++?

[Symbolk]

Hi there,

I am currently reading code from both jFSTMerge and jsFSTMerge, both of which use JavaCC and BNF grammer to generate parsers. But I wonder whether it is capable of generating a parser for C/C++?

[AlbertoTrindade]

Hi @Symbolk,

It seems there are already available JavaCC grammars for C++, e.g: http://star.fbk.eu/Internal/CodeAnalysisPlatform/CppParser/.

However, to be able to use the FSTMerge framework, it's necessary to have the grammar in gCIDE format: http://ckaestne.github.io/CIDE/gcidegrammar.html. That's the grammar that is annotated to instruct how the semistructured merge will behave for certain elements.

A JavaCC grammar is automatically generated from the gCIDE one. But having a grammar already written in JavaCC, it should be pretty straightforward to "convert" it into gCIDE format, so you will be able to create a semistructured merge tool for C/C++.