Using JavaCC

This How-To tutorial explains how to add support for a programming language to Apache NetBeans using JavaCC.

What is the JAVACC?

Useful tutorials:

• JavaCC lexer tutorial
• JavaCC parser tutorial

How to add support in NetBeans to a programming language using JAVACC?

1. File Type Recognition

See Adding New Language Support.

2. Custom project types

See Adding New Language Support.

3. Semantic Syntax highlighting and braces matching

4. Code Completion 

5. Navigation

6. Types and documentation on hover

7. Code formatting

8. Configuration

See Adding New Language Support.

9. Refactoring

10. Error squiggles and apply suggestions from errors

11. Debugging

12. Snippets

13. Build tasks

Plugins supported by JAVACC

NetBeans Specific Resources

• Rich Client Programming: Plugging into the NetBeans Platform https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Client-Programming-Plugging-NetBeans/dp/0132354802
  

• Apache NetBeans Platform for Beginners https://leanpub.com/nbp4beginners

• Cardona J.R. (2018), "Quick Start: Creating Language Tools In NetBeans IDE", DZone.
• NetBeans Platform Learning Trail https://netbeans.apache.org/kb/docs/platform/index.html

Other resources

1. Clinton J.L. (2021), Build Your Own Programming Language, Packt.
2. Parr T. (2010), Language Implementation Patterns, The Pragmatic Programmer.
3. Singh V., Basics of Compiler Design, Anniversary Edition.
4. Watt D.A. & Brown D. F. (2000), Programming Language Processors in Java, Prentice Hall.