In the context of abstract-syntax-tree (AST) and control-flow-graph (C...
The Correct Answer is: Option CExplanation
AST (Abstract Syntax Tree)The Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) is a hierarchical representation of the structure of a program. It represents the syntactic structure of the code, without including specific details such as the order of execution or control flow. The nodes in an AST represent different elements of the program, such as expressions, statements, and declarations.
CFG (Control Flow Graph)The Control Flow Graph (CFG) is a graphical representation of the control flow of a program. It depicts the flow of execution between different statements and the possible branching paths. The nodes in a CFG represent basic blocks of code, which are sequences of statements with a single entry and exit point.
Comparison between AST and CFG
1. Relationship between Nodes- In an AST, the relationship between nodes represents the syntactic structure of the code. For example, an if statement node will have child nodes representing the condition, the body of the if statement, and the optional else clause.
- In a CFG, the relationship between nodes represents the control flow between different statements. For example, a branch node will have successor nodes representing the possible paths of execution based on the condition.
2. Code Order- In an AST, the order of the nodes does not necessarily correspond to the order of the code in the input program. The AST focuses on the structure of the code rather than the order of execution.
- In a CFG, the order of the nodes directly corresponds to the order of the code in the input program. Each node represents a basic block of code, and the edges between nodes represent the flow of execution.
3. Cycles- An AST can contain cycles if the input program includes recursive function calls or other forms of recursion.
- A CFG can also contain cycles, especially in loops or when there are backward edges that represent jumps or branches.
4. Number of Successors- In an AST, the maximum number of successors of a node depends on the structure of the program. For example, a function call node can have multiple successors if it has multiple return statements.
- In a CFG, the maximum number of successors of a node also depends on the structure of the program. For example, a branch node can have multiple successors representing the different paths of execution.
Conclusion
Based on the comparison between AST and CFG, option C is true. The maximum number of successors of a node in both an AST and a CFG depends on the structure of the input program.