bnfc ☆

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Description:
BNF Converter

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 2.9.6.1@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: parser-generator compiler bnf haskell development

Install: brew install bnfc

About:
BNFC is a compiler-compiler tool that generates an abstract syntax tree and a lexer/parser from an LBNF grammar file. It supports multiple target languages including Haskell, Java, C, and C++, significantly simplifying the development of language processors. Its main value is reducing the boilerplate code needed to build language frontends.

Key Features:

Generates lexers and parsers from LBNF grammar
Supports multiple target languages (Haskell, Java, C, C++)
Automatic construction of abstract syntax trees
Built-in support for layout and comments

Use Cases:

Creating domain-specific languages (DSLs)
Building compilers for educational or research languages
Implementing configuration file parsers

Alternatives:

Happy – Haskell parser generator, requires manual lexer integration
ANTLR – More complex, Java-based, supports more advanced grammar features

License: BSD-3-Clause

Dependencies: gmp

Bottles available for: arm64_tahoe, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_ventura, sonoma, ventura, arm64_linux, x86_64_linux

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 13, 2024 1:45am		1	VERSION_BUMP	35460aa7