How to write syntax highlighting?

Posted by ML on Stack Overflow See other posts from Stack Overflow or by ML
Published on 2010-04-17T00:56:17Z Indexed on 2010/04/17 1:23 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 412

Filed under:

c++

|

lexical-analyser

|

osx

|

objective-c

I am embarking on some learning and I want to write my own syntax highlighting for files in C++.

Can anyone give me ideas on how to go about doing this?

To me it seems that when a file is opened: 1. it would need to be parsed and decided what type of source file it is. Trusting the extension might not be full-proof

a way to know what keywords/commands apply to what language
a way to decide what color each keyword/command gets

I want to do this on OS X, C++ or Objective-C

Can anyone provide pointers on how I might get started with this?

© Stack Overflow or respective owner

Related posts about c++

Which C++ book shold I get between "C++ Primer" vs "C++ Primer Plus"

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I want to learn C++ by using Vim and MinGW as compiler. I'm interesting at "C++ Primer (4th Edition)" and "C++ Primer Plus (5th Edition)" but I don't know how about it different. It has no book store that I can review those books, so I want to know, what is the different between those book and which… >>> More
C++ : C++ Primer (Stanley Lipmann) or The C++ programming language (special edition)

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I have a Computer Science degree (long2 time ago) .. I do know Java OOP but i am now trying to pick up C++. I do have C and of course data structure using C or pascal. I have started reading Bjarne Stroustrup book (The C++ Programming Language - Special Edition) but find it extremely difficult esp… >>> More
I need help on my C++ assignment using MS Visual C++

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Ok, so I don't want you to do my homework for me, but I'm a little lost with this final assignment and need all the help I can get. Learning about programming is tough enough, but doing it online is next to impossible for me... Now, to get to the program, I am going to paste what I have so far. This… >>> More
Managed c++ std::string not accessible in unmanaged c++

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
In unmanaged c++ dll i have a function which takes constant std::string as argument Prototype : void read ( const std::string &imageSpec_ ) I call this function from managed c++ dll by passing a std::string. When i debug the unmanaged c++ code the parameter imageSpec_ shows the value correctly… >>> More
The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
After more than a few questions about deciding on C++ books I thought we could make a better community wiki version. Providing QUALITY books and an approximate skill level. Maybe we can add a short blurb/description about each book that you have personally read / benefited from. Feel free to debate… >>> More

Related posts about lexical-analyser

How to write a Python lexical analyser?

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I'm trying to write a C module to lexically analyse Python code. How can I do it? >>> More
Is it possible to call C# lexical/syntactic analyzers without compilation?

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Considering this question of SO, where whole C# in-memory compiler is being called. When only lexical and syntactic analyzing is required: parse text as a stream of lexemes, check them and exit. Is it possible in current version of System.CodeDom.Compiler, if not - will it be? >>> More
How do i implement If statement in Flex/bison

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Hallo, I need help in flex/bison. Im a beginner in flex/bison, and i hav already looked out these programs and somethings i inderstood, but im learning. My problem is, i want to implement a If-statement via Flex/Bison and i dont know how to start how to do, someone any idea, im very thankful for all… >>> More
Big problem with regular expression in Lex (lexical analyzer)

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Hi, I have some content like this: author = "Marjan Mernik and Viljem Zumer", title = "Implementation of multiple attribute grammar inheritance in the tool LISA", year = 1999 author = "Manfred Broy and Martin Wirsing", title = "Generalized Heterogeneous Algebras… >>> More
Error compiling flex (the lexical analyzer)

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I'm trying to install flex on my Windows computer. I have MSYS installed. I untar flex, ./configure it, but when I try to make it, I get this error: In file included from ccl.c:34: flexdef.h:94:19: error: regex.h: No such file or directory In file included from ccl.c:34: flexdef.h:1195: error: expected… >>> More