The Howdy Glossary

Compiler Description Language (CDL) is a domain-specific language tailored for compiler development, allowing developers to specify syntax and semantics efficiently. This language facilitates high-level design by defining programming languages' structure, including grammar rules and code generation, thereby enabling engineers to focus on designing optimized compilers without being hindered by low-level implementation details. CDL's structured approach promotes greater readability, maintainability, and flexibility in creating complex compiler systems.

CDL has evolved through contributions from the compiler development community, especially within academic and research contexts. Although no single entity or individual is credited with its creation, the language has been refined over time to address the need for more efficient methods of describing compilers’ behavior. By providing a domain-specific way to handle syntax and semantics descriptions, CDL offers an efficient alternative to general-purpose languages like C or Java in expressing compiler architecture.

In comparison to other tools such as ANTLR or Yacc that serve similar purposes in grammar specification and parser generation, CDL stands out with its specialized focus on comprehensive syntax and semantic definitions. Its emphasis on separating concerns during development allows engineers to concentrate on higher-level design decisions leading to more optimized compilers tailored for specific languages. While alternatives like LLVM IR cater to specific tasks within compiler construction, CDL’s dedicated framework empowers developers with enhanced readability and control in building precise compiler systems that meet exact requirements.