What is ISO-IEC 14977:2017?

ISO-IEC 14977:2017 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for specifying the syntax and semantics of programming languages. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure consistency and interoperability in programming language design and implementation.

The Importance of ISO-IEC 14977:2017

ISO-IEC 14977:2017 plays a crucial role in the field of software development. By establishing a common framework for describing programming languages, it facilitates communication between programmers, compilers, and other software tools. This standard enables software developers to precisely define the syntax and structure of programming languages, making it easier to write reliable and efficient code.

Main Features of ISO-IEC 14977:2017

ISO-IEC 14977:2017 defines a set of notation rules for describing the grammar of programming languages. It provides a formal specification technique called Extended Backus-Naur Form (EBNF), which allows for the precise and unambiguous definition of language syntax. This standard also includes guidelines for specifying the semantics of programming languages, addressing aspects such as variable scoping, type systems, and control flow.

Benefits and Applications

The adoption of ISO-IEC 14977:2017 brings several benefits to the software industry. Firstly, it enhances the portability of software by ensuring that programming languages are described in a consistent manner. This enables code written in one language to be easily translated into another. Secondly, it encourages the development of reliable and secure software by providing a solid foundation for language design and implementation. Lastly, this standard promotes interoperability among different software tools by facilitating the exchange of language specifications.