Compiler/interpreter generator system LISA

The paper describes the LISA system which is a generic interactive environment for programming language development. From the formal language specifications of a particular programming language, LISA produces a language specific environment that includes a language-knowledgeable editor, a compiler/interpreter and other graphic tools. The paper focuses on design decisions, implementation issues and tool integration in the system LISA. The main reasons for developing a new compiler/interpreter generator system were: support for incremental language development, support for language design in a visual manner and the portability of the system and the generated environment. LISA is a set of related tools such as scanner generators, parser generators, compiler generators, graphic tools, editor and conversion tools, which are integrated by well designed interfaces. Therefore, it has the advantages of a single system and federated environment. LISA and the generated environment are written in Java which enables high portability to different platforms.