nearley vs antlr4 vs langium vs pegjs vs jison
JavaScript Parsing Libraries Comparison
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nearleyantlr4langiumpegjsjison
What's JavaScript Parsing Libraries?

JavaScript parsing libraries are tools designed to process and analyze source code or structured text. They can generate parsers from grammars, enabling developers to create interpreters, compilers, or domain-specific languages (DSLs). These libraries simplify the task of parsing complex syntax and provide various features to handle different parsing strategies, error recovery, and code generation.

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nearley3,116,6693,666-1984 years agoMIT
antlr4711,70117,7883.09 MB1,0128 months agoBSD-3-Clause
langium568,1917973.61 MB115a month agoMIT
pegjs543,6104,862-1169 years agoMIT
jison59,3534,366-1618 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: nearley vs antlr4 vs langium vs pegjs vs jison

Grammar Definition

  • nearley:

    Nearley allows you to define grammars using a simple and intuitive syntax, supporting both context-free and ambiguous grammars, which makes it versatile for various parsing needs.

  • antlr4:

    ANTLR4 allows you to define grammars using a clear and expressive syntax, supporting features like lexer and parser rules, and provides a rich set of tools for grammar analysis and debugging.

  • langium:

    Langium supports defining grammars in a TypeScript-based DSL, which allows for seamless integration with TypeScript projects and provides type safety and IDE support.

  • pegjs:

    PEG.js uses Parsing Expression Grammar (PEG) to define grammars, providing a straightforward way to create parsers with a focus on simplicity and performance.

  • jison:

    Jison enables you to define grammars in a concise format, making it easy to create parsers quickly. It supports both LALR(1) and LR(0) grammars, allowing for flexibility in grammar design.

Error Handling

  • nearley:

    Nearley has robust error handling mechanisms, allowing you to define custom error messages and recovery strategies, making it easier to manage parsing errors.

  • antlr4:

    ANTLR4 provides advanced error handling capabilities, allowing you to define custom error messages and recovery strategies, making it easier to debug parsing issues.

  • langium:

    Langium offers built-in error handling and reporting features, providing useful feedback during parsing, which is essential for developing DSLs.

  • pegjs:

    PEG.js provides basic error reporting, but it may require additional implementation for comprehensive error handling.

  • jison:

    Jison includes basic error handling features, allowing you to define error recovery rules, but it may require additional work for complex error management.

Performance

  • nearley:

    Nearley is known for its flexibility and can handle complex grammars, but performance may be impacted by ambiguous rules and large input sizes.

  • antlr4:

    ANTLR4 is optimized for performance, especially with large grammars, and provides efficient parsing strategies to handle complex input efficiently.

  • langium:

    Langium is designed for DSLs and may not be as performant as ANTLR4 for general-purpose parsing, but it excels in providing language tooling features.

  • pegjs:

    PEG.js offers good performance for small to medium-sized grammars, but may struggle with very large or complex grammars due to its backtracking nature.

  • jison:

    Jison generates efficient parsers, but performance may vary depending on the complexity of the grammar and the specific use case.

Tooling and Ecosystem

  • nearley:

    Nearley has a growing ecosystem with plugins and tools for integration, but it may not be as extensive as ANTLR4's ecosystem.

  • antlr4:

    ANTLR4 has a rich ecosystem with tools for grammar visualization, code generation, and integration with various programming languages, making it a robust choice for large projects.

  • langium:

    Langium provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing DSLs, including language servers and IDE support, enhancing the development experience.

  • pegjs:

    PEG.js has a straightforward approach with minimal tooling, making it easy to use but lacking advanced features found in other libraries.

  • jison:

    Jison has a simpler ecosystem, primarily focused on generating parsers, but it can be easily integrated into JavaScript projects without much overhead.

Learning Curve

  • nearley:

    Nearley is user-friendly and easy to learn, especially for developers familiar with JavaScript, making it accessible for various projects.

  • antlr4:

    ANTLR4 has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and capabilities, making it more suitable for experienced developers working on complex projects.

  • langium:

    Langium has a moderate learning curve, particularly for developers familiar with TypeScript, and is designed for those focused on DSL development.

  • pegjs:

    PEG.js has a gentle learning curve, allowing developers to quickly grasp grammar definitions and parser generation.

  • jison:

    Jison is relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with JavaScript, making it a good choice for beginners or smaller projects.

How to Choose: nearley vs antlr4 vs langium vs pegjs vs jison
  • nearley:

    Use Nearley if you want a flexible and powerful parser generator that supports ambiguous grammars and allows for easy integration with existing JavaScript code. It is particularly useful for projects that require handling complex or ambiguous syntax.

  • antlr4:

    Choose ANTLR4 if you need a powerful parser generator that supports multiple programming languages and offers advanced features like error handling, tree construction, and visitor patterns. It is ideal for complex grammars and large projects requiring extensive parsing capabilities.

  • langium:

    Opt for Langium if you are focused on developing domain-specific languages (DSLs) with a strong emphasis on language tooling and IDE support. Langium provides a comprehensive framework for building DSLs, including features for code completion and syntax highlighting.

  • pegjs:

    Choose PEG.js if you prefer a simple and efficient parser generator based on Parsing Expression Grammar (PEG). It is great for projects that need a straightforward way to define grammars and generate parsers with minimal setup.

  • jison:

    Select Jison for a lightweight solution that allows you to define grammars in a simple way and generate parsers in JavaScript. It is suitable for projects where you need a quick and straightforward parser without the overhead of more complex libraries.

Similar Npm Packages to nearley

nearley is a powerful parser generator for JavaScript that allows developers to create parsers for context-free grammars. It is particularly useful for applications that require custom parsing of languages or data formats. Nearley is designed to be simple to use while providing the flexibility needed for complex parsing tasks. It supports a variety of features, such as grammar composition, allowing developers to build upon existing grammars easily. While nearley is a robust choice for parsing needs, there are several alternatives available in the ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • antlr4 is a popular parser generator that can be used to build parsers for a wide range of languages. ANTLR (Another Tool for Language Recognition) provides a powerful framework for defining grammars and generating parsers in multiple programming languages, including JavaScript. It is well-suited for complex parsing tasks and offers features such as syntax tree generation and error handling. If you need a comprehensive solution for building parsers for complex languages or DSLs (Domain-Specific Languages), ANTLR4 is an excellent choice.
  • jison is a parser generator that is similar to yacc/bison but designed for JavaScript. It allows developers to define grammars in a straightforward way and generates parsers that can be used in web applications. Jison is particularly useful for creating parsers for simple programming languages or data formats. If you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use parser generator for JavaScript, Jison is a solid option.
  • pegjs is another parser generator for JavaScript that uses Parsing Expression Grammar (PEG) to define grammars. PEG is a formal grammar framework that allows for more expressive grammars compared to traditional context-free grammars. PEG.js is designed to be easy to use and integrates well with JavaScript applications. If you prefer a parser generator that leverages PEG and offers a straightforward API, PEG.js is worth considering.

To see how nearley compares with antlr4, jison, and pegjs, check out the comparison: Comparing antlr4 vs jison vs nearley vs pegjs.

Similar Npm Packages to antlr4

antlr4 is a powerful parser generator for reading, processing, and executing structured text or binary files. It is widely used for building domain-specific languages, interpreters, and compilers. ANTLR (ANother Tool for Language Recognition) provides a rich set of features, including support for multiple programming languages, automatic generation of parse trees, and robust error handling. While ANTLR4 is a popular choice for parsing tasks, there are several alternatives available that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • jison is a parser generator that allows developers to create parsers for JavaScript. It is inspired by Bison and Yacc and offers a simple syntax for defining grammars. Jison is particularly useful for projects that require a lightweight solution for parsing and compiling languages or data formats directly in JavaScript. If you are looking for a straightforward parser generator that integrates seamlessly with JavaScript, Jison is a solid option.
  • nearley is a fast and powerful parsing library for JavaScript that utilizes a parsing algorithm called Earley parsing. Nearley allows developers to define grammars in a simple and expressive way, supporting context-free grammars and even ambiguous grammars. It is particularly well-suited for projects that require flexibility in grammar definitions and the ability to parse complex languages. If you need a versatile and efficient parser, Nearley is worth considering.
  • pegjs is another parser generator for JavaScript that uses Parsing Expression Grammars (PEG). It allows developers to define grammars in a clear and concise manner and generates a parser that can be used in JavaScript applications. PEGs provide a more powerful and expressive way to define grammars compared to traditional context-free grammars. If you are looking for a parser generator that emphasizes simplicity and expressiveness, PEG.js is a great choice.

To see how ANTLR4 compares with Jison, Nearley, and PEG.js, check out the comparison: Comparing antlr4 vs jison vs nearley vs pegjs.

Similar Npm Packages to langium

langium is a powerful framework for building domain-specific languages (DSLs) in TypeScript. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for defining grammars, parsing, and generating code, making it easier for developers to create custom languages tailored to specific applications. With langium, you can leverage TypeScript's type system to ensure correctness and improve the development experience when working with DSLs.

While langium is a robust solution for creating DSLs, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that also cater to language processing and parsing needs. Here are a few notable options:

  • antlr4 is a widely-used parser generator that can be used to build languages, interpreters, and compilers. It supports multiple programming languages and provides a powerful syntax tree and visitor pattern for traversing and manipulating parsed data. ANTLR4 is particularly well-suited for complex language specifications and is favored for its extensive documentation and community support.

  • jison is a parser generator that allows developers to create parsers in JavaScript. It is inspired by Bison and Yacc and provides a straightforward way to define grammars and generate parsers. Jison is a good choice for projects that require a simple and lightweight solution for parsing, especially for web applications.

  • nearley is a simple, powerful, and flexible parser toolkit for JavaScript. It allows developers to define grammars using a concise syntax and supports features like ambiguity and context-free grammars. Nearley is particularly useful for projects that require a more flexible parsing approach, making it a solid alternative for those looking to create custom parsers.

  • pegjs is a parser generator for JavaScript that uses Parsing Expression Grammars (PEGs). It provides a simple way to define grammars and generate parsers that can be used in web applications. PEGs allow for more expressive grammars and can handle complex parsing scenarios, making pegjs a suitable choice for developers looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use parsing solution.

To see how langium compares with antlr4, jison, nearley, and pegjs, check out the comparison: Comparing antlr4 vs jison vs langium vs nearley vs pegjs.

Similar Npm Packages to pegjs

pegjs is a parser generator for JavaScript that allows developers to create parsers for custom languages or data formats using a simple and expressive syntax. It generates efficient parsers that can be used in various applications, from compilers to interpreters and data processing tools. While pegjs is a powerful tool for building parsers, there are several alternatives available in the ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • antlr4 is a popular parser generator that supports multiple programming languages, including JavaScript. It is known for its powerful parsing capabilities and extensive feature set, including support for complex grammars, error handling, and tree construction. If you need a robust solution for building parsers for complex languages or require features like syntax highlighting and code completion, antlr4 is an excellent choice. It is widely used in both academic and industry projects, making it a reliable option for serious parser development.
  • jison is another parser generator that allows developers to create parsers using a syntax similar to BNF (Backus-Naur Form). It is designed to be easy to use and integrates well with JavaScript applications. jison is particularly useful for creating parsers for domain-specific languages (DSLs) or simple data formats. If you are looking for a straightforward and lightweight parser generator that can quickly produce parsers for less complex languages, jison is a solid option.
  • nearley is a fast and powerful parsing library that uses a parsing technique called Earley parsing. It is designed to handle ambiguous grammars and can parse any context-free grammar. nearley is particularly useful for projects that require flexibility in grammar design and the ability to parse complex languages. If you need a parser that can handle intricate grammar rules and provide advanced features like error recovery, nearley is a great choice.

To see how pegjs compares with antlr4, jison, and nearley, check out the comparison: Comparing pegjs vs antlr4 vs jison vs nearley.

Similar Npm Packages to jison

jison is a parser generator for JavaScript that allows developers to create parsers from a formal grammar. It is inspired by the popular yacc parser generator and provides a simple way to define grammars using a syntax that is easy to understand. With jison, you can generate parsers that can process and interpret structured text, making it useful for applications like compilers, interpreters, and data format parsers. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a popular choice for developers looking to implement custom parsing solutions in their JavaScript applications.

While jison is a powerful tool for parsing, there are alternatives available that may better suit specific needs:

  • nearley is a versatile parser generator that is designed to handle a wide range of grammars, including ambiguous ones. It uses a different approach than traditional parser generators, allowing for more flexibility in grammar definitions. Nearley is particularly useful for complex parsing tasks and supports features like context-free grammars and custom actions. If you need a parser that can handle intricate language constructs or if you want to work with ambiguous grammars, nearley is an excellent choice.
  • pegjs is another parser generator that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It allows developers to define grammars using a PEG (Parsing Expression Grammar) syntax, which is intuitive and straightforward. PEGs provide a way to describe syntax without ambiguity, making pegjs a great option for parsing tasks where clarity is essential. If you are looking for a parser generator that emphasizes simplicity and a clear grammar definition, pegjs is worth considering.

To see how jison compares with nearley and pegjs, check out the comparison: Comparing jison vs nearley vs pegjs.

README for nearley

nearley ↗️

JS.ORG npm version

nearley is a simple, fast and powerful parsing toolkit. It consists of:

  1. A powerful, modular DSL for describing languages
  2. An efficient, lightweight Earley parser
  3. Loads of tools, editor plug-ins, and other goodies!

nearley is a streaming parser with support for catching errors gracefully and providing all parsings for ambiguous grammars. It is compatible with a variety of lexers (we recommend moo). It comes with tools for creating tests, railroad diagrams and fuzzers from your grammars, and has support for a variety of editors and platforms. It works in both node and the browser.

Unlike most other parser generators, nearley can handle any grammar you can define in BNF (and more!). In particular, while most existing JS parsers such as PEGjs and Jison choke on certain grammars (e.g. left recursive ones), nearley handles them easily and efficiently by using the Earley parsing algorithm.

nearley is used by a wide variety of projects:

nearley is an npm staff pick.

Documentation

Please visit our website https://nearley.js.org to get started! You will find a tutorial, detailed reference documents, and links to several real-world examples to get inspired.

Contributing

Please read this document before working on nearley. If you are interested in contributing but unsure where to start, take a look at the issues labeled "up for grabs" on the issue tracker, or message a maintainer (@kach or @tjvr on Github).

nearley is MIT licensed.

A big thanks to Nathan Dinsmore for teaching me how to Earley, Aria Stewart for helping structure nearley into a mature module, and Robin Windels for bootstrapping the grammar. Additionally, Jacob Edelman wrote an experimental JavaScript parser with nearley and contributed ideas for EBNF support. Joshua T. Corbin refactored the compiler to be much, much prettier. Bojidar Marinov implemented postprocessors-in-other-languages. Shachar Itzhaky fixed a subtle bug with nullables.

Citing nearley

If you are citing nearley in academic work, please use the following BibTeX entry.

@misc{nearley,
    author = "Kartik Chandra and Tim Radvan",
    title  = "{nearley}: a parsing toolkit for {JavaScript}",
    year   = {2014},
    doi    = {10.5281/zenodo.3897993},
    url    = {https://github.com/kach/nearley}
}
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