Introduction to Top-Down Parsing

Top-down parsing is a method used in parsing algorithms to analyze text and determine its grammatical structure. It
involves starting from the highest-level syntax and working down to the individual components. This approach is
commonly used in programming language compilers.
What is Top-Down Parsing?
1 Recursive Descent Parsing
This is a popular top-down parsing technique
where each non-terminal in the grammar is
associated with a procedure or function
2 Predictive Parsing
This technique involves using a parse table to
decide which production to use based on the
next input symbol.
Advantages of Top-Down Parsing
1 Easy Error Recovery
If an error occurs during parsing, it's easier to
provide useful error messages and recover from
the error in a well-designed top-down parser.
2 Clarity and Readability
Top-down parsing closely mirrors the way
humans tend to analyze sentences, making it
easier to understand and maintain.
Limitations of Top-Down Parsing
1 Left Recursion
Recursive descent parsers can't handle left-
recursive rules directly without modifications to
the grammar.
2 First of Many Matches
When using predictive parsing, multiple
productions may match the next input symbol,
leading to ambiguity.
Examples of Top-Down Parsing Algorithms

Recursive Descent Predictive Parsing Table

A simple top-down parsing algorithm based on the A data structure used to perform predictive parsing
grammar production rules. based on the input grammar.
Comparison with Bottom-Up Parsing
Top-Down Parsing Bottom-Up Parsing

Starts at the root of the syntax tree and works down to Builds the parse tree from leaves towards the root,
the leaves. using a process known as a reduction.

Gets stuck if the input doesn't match the expected Often used in combination with shift-reduce parsing
syntax, unlike Bottom-Up parsers that can handle a algorithms, which can handle a broader class of
wider range of grammars. grammars.
Conclusion and Future Work
Enhancing Error Handling
Future work can focus on improving error recovery
mechanisms in top-down parsers for more complex
grammars.
Hybrid Parsing Techniques
Exploring hybrid parsing methods that combine the
strengths of top-down and bottom-up parsing for
better efficiency and flexibility.
 THANK YOU

BY:-VIVEK SINGH