I am now so deep into debugging this nagging defect in my syntax highlighting that I’ve busted out my dad’s old copy of “the dragon book” on compiler design. It was published in 1979 but it still reads like it’s bestowing wisdom that few have absorbed.

I always used to say I didn’t want to learn compiler design because I didn’t want to “compete” with my dad. I know, it’s kind of weird. But he’s been dead for 10 years now so maybe it would be honoring him.