====== Why Study Lexical Analysis ======

Lexical analysis is one of the simplest aspects of compilers

Almost never a problem in practice

Why do we need to study it?

===== Reason 1: It is also the first phase of a compiler =====

So we study it first.


===== Reason 2: 'Drunk under the lamppost' effect =====

**lamppost** = a metal post supporting an outdoor lamp (such as a streetlight)

{{cc09:lamppost.png|Lamppost}}

What are you doing?
  * Searching for my Camipro card...

Where did you lose it?
  * Over there, near 'le Vinci'

Then why are you looking for it **here** and not **there**?
  * Because it's **dark** there, and here I have the **light**!

==== Lexical Analysis is under the Lamppost ====

The problem can be described using finite state machines
  * very well understood
  * have very good properties, can manipulate them well

Automated lexical analysis techniques are easier to understand
  * preparation for parsing