Java - abstract syntax tree

Question

I am currently looking for a Java 6/7 parser, which generates some (possibly standartized) form abstract syntax tree.

I have already found that ANTLR has a Java 6 grammar, but it seems, that it only generates parse tree, but not syntax tree. I have also read about Java Compiler API - but all the soources mentioned, that it is overdesigned and poorly documented (and I havent found, if it really generates the AST).

Do you know about any good parser library, with possibly as standardized output as possible?

Thanks

Answer 1

Basically JavaCC and ANTLR are the best tools out there at the moment.

You can find a usable Java 6 grammar in the project's grammar repository. JavaCC is a bit oldschool, rarely updated, but easy to start with, Java-oriented, and generates the AST (search for JJTree). It's a bit, well... strange on the first sight, but you can get used to it.

Both tools have a nice IDE support (e.g., Eclipse plug-ins), but I think (based on your description) what you need is JavaCC. Give it a try.