Understanding the SQL 2023 BNF

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 50 views

As a developer working with SQL 2023 BNF, it's essential to understand the syntax rules that govern the language. Recently, I've been exploring the newest SQL 2023 BNF, and I've come across a generated file called Syntax.rules.txt. However, upon reviewing the file, I was only able to find three rules, leaving me wondering if I'm not understanding the document or if it's indeed incomplete.

Understanding the SQL 2023 BNF

Before diving into the Syntax.rules.txt file, it's crucial to understand the SQL 2023 BNF. The BNF (Backus-Naur Form) is a notation used to describe the syntax of a programming language. It's a formal way of defining the rules that govern the language, making it easier to understand and implement.

The SQL 2023 BNF is available from the ISO website, and it's a comprehensive document that covers all aspects of the language. However, the sheer size and complexity of the document can be overwhelming, making it challenging to navigate and understand.

The `Syntax.rules.txt` File

The Syntax.rules.txt file is a generated file that's supposed to contain all the syntax rules defined in the SQL 2023 BNF. However, as I mentioned earlier, I was only able to find three rules in the file. This has left me wondering if the file is incomplete or if I'm not understanding the document correctly.

A List of All `!! See the Syntax Rules.` Rules

To better understand the issue, I've compiled a list of all the !! See the Syntax Rules. rules that I've found in the new BNF. I've marked the ones that I could find in the Syntax.rules.txt file.

[x] <space>
[x] <identifier start>
[x] <identifier extend>
[ ] <Unicode escape character>
[ ] <non-double quote character>
[ ] <whitespace>
[ ] <truncating whitespace>
[ ] <newline>
[ ] <non-quote character>
[ ] <non-escaped character>
[ ] <escaped character>
[ ] <JSON path literal>
[ ] <JSON path string literal>
[ ] <JSON path numeric literal>
[ ] <JSON path identifier>
[ ] <JSON path key name>
[ ] <implementation-defined JSON representation option>
[ ] <preparable implementation-defined statement>
[ ] <host label identifier>
[ ] <host PL/I label variable>
[ ] <embedded SQL Ada program>
[ ] <Ada host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL C program>
[ ] <C host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL COBOL program>
[ ] <COBOL host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL Fortran program>
[ ] <Fortran host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL MUMPS program>
[ ] <MUMPS host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL Pascal program>
[ ] <Pascal host identifier>
[ ] <embedded SQL PL/I program>
[ ] <PL/I host identifier>
[ ] <direct implementation-defined statement>

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Syntax.rules.txt file appears to be incomplete, as I was only able to find three rules in the file. This has left me wondering if the file is indeed incomplete or if I'm not understanding the document correctly. To resolve this issue, I recommend reviewing the SQL 2023 BNF document and verifying the syntax rules defined in the Syntax.rules.txt file.

Recommendations

Based on my experience, I recommend the following:

Review the SQL 2023 BNF document to ensure a thorough understanding of the syntax rules.
Verify the syntax rules defined in the Syntax.rules.txt file to ensure they are complete and accurate.
If the file is incomplete, consider reaching out to the developers or maintainers of the file for assistance.

As a developer working with SQL 2023 BNF, you may have encountered the Syntax.rules.txt file, which is supposed to contain all the syntax rules defined in the language. However, as we discussed earlier, the file appears to be incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered. In this article, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions related to the Syntax.rules.txt file.

Q: What is the purpose of the `Syntax.rules.txt` file?

A: The Syntax.rules.txt file is a generated file that contains all the syntax rules defined in the SQL 2023 BNF. Its purpose is to provide a concise and easily accessible reference for developers working with the language.

Q: Why is the `Syntax.rules.txt` file incomplete?

A: The Syntax.rules.txt file appears to be incomplete because it only contains three rules, whereas the SQL 2023 BNF document defines many more rules. It's possible that the file is missing some rules or that there's an issue with the generation process.

Q: How can I verify the syntax rules defined in the `Syntax.rules.txt` file?

A: To verify the syntax rules defined in the Syntax.rules.txt file, you can review the SQL 2023 BNF document and compare it with the rules listed in the file. This will help you identify any missing or incorrect rules.

Q: What are some common issues that can cause the `Syntax.rules.txt` file to be incomplete?

A: Some common issues that can cause the Syntax.rules.txt file to be incomplete include:

Missing rules: The file may be missing some rules that are defined in the SQL 2023 BNF document.
Incorrect rules: The file may contain incorrect rules that don't match the definitions in the SQL 2023 BNF document.
Generation errors: The generation process may have encountered errors, resulting in an incomplete or incorrect file.

Q: How can I report issues with the `Syntax.rules.txt` file?

A: If you encounter any issues with the Syntax.rules.txt file, you can report them to the developers or maintainers of the file. They will be able to investigate the issue and provide a resolution.

Q: What are some best practices for working with the `Syntax.rules.txt` file?

A: Some best practices for working with the Syntax.rules.txt file include:

Review the SQL 2023 BNF document to ensure a thorough understanding of the syntax rules.
Verify the syntax rules defined in the Syntax.rules.txt file to ensure they are complete and accurate.
Use the Syntax.rules.txt file as a reference, but also consult the SQL 2023 BNF document for more detailed information.

Q: Can I contribute to the development of the `Syntax.rules.txt` file?

A: Yes, you can contribute to the development of the Syntax.rules.txt file by reporting issues, suggesting improvements, or even contributing code to the project. The developers and maintainers of the file will appreciate your input and help ensure that the file is accurate and complete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Syntax.rules.txt file appears to be incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered. However, by following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have a complete and accurate understanding of the syntax rules defined in the SQL 2023 BNF. If you encounter any issues with the file, don't hesitate to report them to the developers or maintainers of the file.