Big-step semantics, also known as natural semantics, is a formalism used in programming language theory to describe how the final result of a program or expression is computed in a single, large step. It contrasts with small-step semantics by focusing on the end result rather than the intermediate states of computation.

Big-Step Semantics

Big-step semantics

Natural Semantics, also known as big-step semantics, is a formalism used to describe the behavior of programming languages by defining the relationship between expressions and their evaluations. It provides a structured way to specify the semantics of a language by using inference rules that relate expressions to their resulting values or states.

natural semantics

Programming Language Theory is the study of the design, implementation, analysis, characterization, and classification of programming languages and their individual features. It encompasses both the theoretical foundations and practical applications, aiming to improve the ways in which humans interact with computers through programming languages.

programming language theory

final result of a program

Expression computation

large step

Small-step semantics, also known as operational semantics, is a formal method used to define the behavior of programming languages by specifying how each individual step of a program's execution changes its state. It provides a granular, step-by-step description of the computation process, making it useful for analyzing and reasoning about program execution and correctness.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING

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