Adding Syntax Parameters to the Sweet.JS Macro Library for JavaScript

Abstract

Adding Syntax Parameters to the Sweet.JS Macro Library for JavaScript by Vimal Kumar Lisp and Scheme have demonstrated the power of macros to enable programmers to evolve and craft languages. A macro is a rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence should be mapped to an output sequence according to some defined procedure. Using a macro system a programmer can introduce new syntactic elements to the programming language. Macros found in a program are expanded by a macro expander and allow a programmer to enable code reuse. Mozilla Sweet.JS provides a way for developers to enrich their JavaScript code by adding new syntax to the language through the use of macros. Sweet.JS provides the possibility to define hygienic macros inspired by Scheme. " In this paper, I present the implementation of a "syntax parameter" feature for the Sweet.JS library. A syntax parameter is a mechanism for rebinding a macro definition within the dynamic context of a macro expansions thereby introducing implicit identifiers in a hygienic fashion. Some time hygienic macro bindings are insufficient such as with "anaphoric conditionals" where the value of the tested expression is available as an it binding. With syntax parameters, instead of introducing the binding unhygienically each time, we instead create one binding for the keyword, which we can then adjust later when we want the keyword to have a different meaning. As no new bindings are introduced hygiene is preserved. " ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them. I am highly indebted to Dr. Thomas Austin, and Tim Disney, for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project & also for their support in completing the project. I would like to thank my