Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parser

noun

/ˈpɑːrsər/

Definition

A parser is a software component that takes input data (such as text) and builds a data structure based on that input, often in the form of a tree or graph representation, making it easier to analyze or manipulate.

Examples

The compiler includes a parser to convert the source code into a form that can be executed.
Natural language processing often relies on intricate parsers that can understand the syntax of human language.
The JSON parser takes the JSON string and transforms it into a JavaScript object.

Meaning

In computer science, parsing refers to the act of analyzing a string of symbols in natural or computer languages. A parser’s job is to interpret the meaning of the data according to the rules of the language being used.