OpenLanguage

Welcome to the documentation for OpenLanguage, a C# library for parsing Microsoft Office document languages.

Overview

OpenLanguage provides robust, grammar-based parsers for:

  • SpreadsheetML Formulas: Full support for Excel formula syntax, including functions, operators, and all reference types.
  • WordprocessingML:
    • Field Instructions: Support for parsing all field instructions - both standard ECMA variations and those specified in the ISO docs for legacy compatibility - into a strongly-typed Abstract Syntax Tree (AST).
    • Expressions: A parser for expressions used commonly in WordprocessingML values (e.g., conditional formatting, content controls, field instructions).
    • Merge Fields: Parsers for MERGEFIELD placeholders and templates.

The library's parsers and lexers are built using GPLEX and GPPG, allowing concise, declarative grammar definitions that are easy to extend and maintain.

Key Features

  • Strongly-Typed ASTs: Convert complex language strings into easy-to-navigate C# object models.
  • Round-Trip Fidelity: Reconstruct the original string from the parsed AST, preserving all components including whitespace.
  • Extensible Grammar: The yacc/lex-based grammar is modular and easy to extend.
  • High Performance: Designed with performance in mind, including support for Native AOT.

Getting Started

To get started with OpenLanguage, install the package from NuGet and explore the examples.

dotnet add package OpenLanguage

API Reference

Browse the API documentation for detailed information about classes, methods, and interfaces.

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