Pseudocode Interpreter (Pseudocode Integrated Development Environment with Lexical Analyzer and Syntax Analyzer using Recursive Descent Parsing Algorithm)

This research study focused on the development of a software that helps students design, write, validate and run their pseudocode in a semi Integrated Development Environment (IDE) instead of manually writing it on a piece of paper.Specifically, the study aimed to develop lexical analyzer or lexer, syntax analyzer or parser using recursive descent parsing algorithm and an interpreter. The lexical analyzer reads pseudocodesource in a sequence of symbols or characters as lexemes.The lexemes are then analyzed by the lexer that matches a pattern for valid tokens and passes to the syntax analyzer or parser. The syntax analyzer or parser takes those valid tokens and builds meaningful commands using recursive descent parsing algorithm in a form of an abstract syntax tree. The generation of an abstract syntax tree is based on the specified grammar rule created by the researcher expressed in Extended Backus-Naur Form. The Interpreter takes the generated abstract syntax tree and starts the evaluation or interpretation to produce pseudocode output. The software was evaluated using white-box testing by several ICT professionals and black-box testing by several computer science students based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9126 software quality standards. The overall results of the evaluation both for white-box and black-box were described as “Excellent in terms of functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability and portability”.

Keywords –Interpreted Programming Language, Lexical Analysis, Pseudocode Interpreter, Recursive Descent Parsing,Syntax Analysis