Recursive Descent Parser

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What Does Recursive Descent Parser Mean?

A recursive descent parser is a type of parsing tool that works on a recursive basis, in other words, on the basis of using one instance of a command or event to generate another. Recursive descent parsers can be used to parse different types of code, such as XML, or other inputs. They are a specific type of parsing technology that can involve nested or built-in subsequent operations.

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Techopedia Explains Recursive Descent Parser

A parser is a type of tool that takes in code and separates it into pieces. Using a recursive descent parser on a certain code input should give more transparency regarding the structure and makeup of the code input. Typically, recursive descent parsers and other parsing tools turn out some form of output, such as a tree, that reveals code structure. In terms of its makeup, this type of algorithmic parsing tool may use various classes to achieve the goals of showing a parsed output.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.