Parsing

Parsing stages

The parsing process is divided into stages in the following order.

1. Master parser: Data is parsed character-by-character to separate it into several blocks. Variable definitions are handled. Comments are stripped. Anything within a block (besides comments and other blocks) is untouched by the master parser.

2. Block parsers: Each block type implements its own parser which parses the data within the block. Block types can be hereditary, in which case they may rely on another block type for parsing. Map and List are the most common parent block types.

3. Formatting parser: Many block parsers make use of a formatting parser afterwards, the one which converts text formatting such as [b] and [i] to bold and italic text, etc. Values in variable assignment are also formatted.

Master parser

The master parser is concerned only with the most basic syntax:

• Dividing the source into blocks
• Stripping comments
• Variable assignment
• Conditionals