Basic Characteristics RAPID

Simplified syntax
Example:
2.3 Formal syntax
Introduction
TPWrite String [\Num] | [\Bool] | [\Pos] | [\Orient]
Instruction Compulsory Optional
argument argument
Mutually
exclusive
arguments
- Optional arguments are enclosed in square brackets [ ]. These arguments can
be omitted.
- Arguments that are mutually exclusive, i.e. cannot exist in the instruction at the
same time, are separated by a vertical bar |.
- Arguments that can be repeated an arbitrary number of times are enclosed in
braces { }.
Example: TPWrite
[String’:=’]
[’\’Num’:=’ ] |
[’\’Bool’:=’ ] |
[’\’Pos’:=’ ] |
[’\’Orient’:=’ ]’;’
- The text within the square brackets [ ] may be omitted.
- Arguments that are mutually exclusive, i.e. cannot exist in the instruction at the
same time, are separated by a vertical bar |.
- Arguments that can be repeated an arbitrary number of times are enclosed in
braces { }.
- Symbols that are written in order to obtain the correct syntax are enclosed in
single quotation marks (apostrophes) ’ ’.
- The data type of the argument (italics) and other characteristics are enclosed in
angle brackets < >. See the description of the parameters of a routine for more
detailed information.
The basic elements of the language and certain instructions are written using a special
syntax, EBNF. This is based on the same rules, but with some additions.
Example: GOTO ’;’
::=
|
::= { | | ’_’}
- The symbol ::= means is defined as.
- Text enclosed in angle brackets < > is defined in a separate line.
RAPID Reference Manual 2-5