Word
parser
Phoneticspars·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑɹsɝ/
UK/pˈɑːsɐ/
Definition
n. a computer program or part of a system that breaks down code or text into smaller pieces to understand its structure.
n. a software component or algorithm that analyses a string of symbols or tokens to determine its grammatical structure with respect to a given formal grammar.
Examples
“The parser found a syntax error in the first line of code.”
“When you enter a command, the parser breaks it down to see if the computer can execute the request.”
“A robust XML parser must be able to handle nested tags and character encoding issues without crashing the entire application.”
Examples
simple
“The parser found a syntax error in the first line of code.”
contextual
“When you enter a command, the parser breaks it down to see if the computer can execute the request.”
complex
“A robust XML parser must be able to handle nested tags and character encoding issues without crashing the entire application.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of computer science, linguistics, and data processing.
Etymology
From parse + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/parser