Re: --- Regexps, compilers etc., prog help ---

Hursh Jain wrote:
> [re handling regular expressions]
> I don't know too much theory and to be honest I don't want to get down
> into too much theoretical detail ( involving books on compilers etc. )
>
> My very limited knowledge indicated that reg-exps are the first step
> to understanding compiler theory. Help !
>
> Hursh
> sjain@a.chem.upenn.edu
> [I'd sit down with the Dragon Book and read the chapter on regular
> expresssions and finite state machines. In this case, an ounce of
> theory is worth several hundred pounds of hacking, since it's such a
> thoroughly studied field. -John]


I must whole-heartedly agree. You cannot expect to write a regexp
parser and compiler without some knowledge of the theory behind it.
Its like learning to speak French without ever talking to a French
person.


As a newbie, the dragon book will look scary but just give it a light
read so you can acquaint yourself with what you dont know. You dont have
to learn it - just know what it contains - for reference.


Go and pick up some real life source code, e.g. GNU grep and
read the code.


If you want to learn - you will learn more by reading someone elses
code than botching up your own.


Regexps and compilers make me come out in a cold-sweat, but if I
keep my eyes closed, I know I can make myself belief I understand
them.


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