The Howdy Glossary

Compiler Description Language (CDL) is a domain-specific language used to describe syntax and semantics in the development of compilers. The language provides a way for developers to specify the structure of programming languages, including grammar, parsing rules, abstract syntax tree transformations, and code generation. With CDL, compiler writers can focus on high-level design decisions without having to manage low-level implementation details right away. This makes it easier to write highly optimized compilers for specific languages because it separates concerns during the development process. By expressing compiler behavior through this dedicated language rather than directly implementing it in a general-purpose programming language like C or Java, engineers can achieve greater readability and maintainability while creating more complex compiler systems that suit their needs precisely.