Which parsec-like libraries for OCaml are recommended for actual use? [closed]

Question

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance.

Closed 9 years ago.

The Google tells me there are several parsec-like libraries for OCaml: Batteries' ParserCo, Planck, Mparser, PCL, and ocaml-parsec. My problem is knowing which one to choose. Can someone give me some feedback concerning stability, active maintenance, quality of documentation, etc?

Answer 1

I have a vague idea of how ParserCo, Planck and PCL look like, and I would start from Planck, expecting to find some rough edges and evolve the library a bit myself over use. None of them are really actively documented, but Planck got some "serious" test cases (parsing the OCaml grammar itself) and the developer, Jun Furuse, is reactive may be interested in getting it upto shape.

That said, parsing combinator libraries are not that popular in the OCaml world. We still quite actively use parser generators. If you don't have strong opinions either way, I recommend that you have a try at Menhir, that is quite polished and nice to use (and also actively maintained).