Status report: specifying javascript with ML

The Ecma TC39-TG1 working group is using ML as the specification language for the next generation of JavaScript, the popular programming language for browser-based web applications. This “definitional interpreter” serves many purposes: a high-level and readable specification language, an executable and testable specification, a reference implementation, and an aid in driving the design process. We describe the design and specification of JavaScript and our experience so far using Standard ML for this purpose. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.2.1 [Software Engineering]: Requirements/Specifications—Languages; D.3.1 [Programming Languages]: Formal Definitions and Theory—Semantics General Terms Documentation, Languages, Standardization Keywords JavaScript, Standard ML, definitional interpreters

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: ML
• Authors: David Herman, Cormac Flanagan
• Keywords: Definitional Interpreters, Machine Learning, ML 2007, Specification Language, Standard ML