JavaCC
| Company type | Open-source software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development tools |
| Predecessor | Jack (parser generator) |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Java Virtual Machine environment |
| Products | Parser generator, lexical analyzer generator, JJTree syntax tree builder |
| Website | javacc |
JavaCC (short for Java Compiler Compiler) is an open-source tool designed for generating parsers and lexical analyzers using the Java programming language. It creates top-down parsers derived from formal grammars expressed in EBNF syntax, supporting LL(k) grammar structures with adjustable lookahead capabilities. Alongside parser generation, JavaCC can produce lexical analyzers comparable to those created by lex, while its auxiliary utility, JJTree, constructs syntax trees through a bottom-up approach.
Distributed under a BSD license, JavaCC operates on the Java Virtual Machine environment.
History
The origin of JavaCC traces back to 1996 when Sun Microsystems introduced a parser generator known as Jack. The creators of this tool later established Metamata, rebranded Jack as JavaCC, and subsequently became part of WebGain. Following WebGain's dissolution, stewardship of JavaCC was transferred to its present maintainers.
Uses
Several prominent software solutions utilize JavaCC, including: