Additional Uses for Indirect Definitions in Modified BNF Syntax

ToC

Allegro CL

1 Introduction

1.4 Definitions

1.4.1 Notational Conventions

1.4.1.2 Modified BNF Syntax

1.4.1.2.3 Additional Uses for Indirect Definitions in Modified BNF Syntax

In some cases, an auxiliary definition in the BNF might appear to be unused within the BNF, but might still be useful elsewhere. For example, consider the following definitions:

case keyform {normal-clause}* [otherwise-clause] {result}*

ccase keyplace {normal-clause}* {result}*

ecase keyform {normal-clause}* {result}*

normal-clause::= (keys {form}*)

otherwise-clause::= ({otherwise | t} {form}*)

clause::= normal-clause | otherwise-clause

Here the term "clause" might appear to be "dead" in that it is not used in the BNF. However, the purpose of the BNF is not just to guide parsing, but also to define useful terms for reference in the descriptive text which follows. As such, the term "clause" might appear in text that follows, as shorthand for "normal-clause or otherwise-clause."