Rewriting rule is spelled /riːˈraɪtɪŋ ruːl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "rewriting" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /i/ and a dental fricative /θ/ followed by a voiced alveolar flap /ɾ/ sound. The word "rule" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /uː/ and a dark L sound /ɫ/. The spelling of "rewriting rule" follows the English language's phonetic rules, where each sound is represented by a specific letter or combination of letters.
A rewriting rule is a foundational concept in computer science and linguistics that pertains to the manipulation or transformation of symbols within a formal system. It refers to a specific directive or algorithm that specifies how certain symbols or sequences of symbols can be replaced by other symbols or sequences of symbols.
In computer science, rewriting rules are commonly employed in programming languages, formal grammars, and compiler design. These rules are typically used to transform one representation of data or code into another, allowing for more efficient or concise interpretation or execution. Rewriting rules can be applied in a wide range of contexts, ranging from simple string replacement to complex pattern matching and manipulation.
In linguistics, rewriting rules commonly form the basis of generative grammars. They are employed to describe the transformation of abstract syntactic structures into concrete sentences. These rules specify the permissible rearrangement or substitution of linguistic elements, such as words, phrases, or clauses, within a sentence or larger linguistic structure.
Rewriting rules are typically expressed in the form of production rules or replacement rules. They consist of a left-hand side (LHS) and a right-hand side (RHS), where the LHS represents the symbol or sequence to be replaced, and the RHS represents the replacement symbol or sequence. When a rewriting rule is applied to a given symbol or sequence, the LHS is altered according to the specified transformation described by the RHS.
Overall, rewriting rules play a crucial role in various fields by providing a systematic and formalized way to manipulate and transform symbols, enabling the generation of new structures or representations from existing ones.
The word "rewriting rule" is composed of two elements: "rewrite" and "rule".
- "Rewrite" derives from the Middle English word "rewriten", which came from the Old English word "āwritan", meaning to rewrite, alter, or modify. This term is a combination of the prefix "re-" (indicating repetition or intensity) and "writan", meaning to write.
- "Rule" originates from the Old English word "rēgel", meaning a straight stick or ruler used for measurement or drawing straight lines. Over time, it evolved to refer to a principle or guideline.
When combined, "rewriting rule" refers to a principle or guideline that involves modifying or altering a written statement or equation. This term is commonly used in various fields like mathematics, computer science, and linguistics.