Final answer:
Implementing semantics into a programming language involves defining the behavior or actions associated with different syntactical structures recognized by the parser. In the context of blockchain, this includes transaction handling, block creation, and chain integrity validation within the language design using Python.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implementing Semantics in a Programming Language
Adding semantics to a programming language, especially when aiming to implement blockchain functionality, is a critical step that follows lexical analysis and parsing. In this assignment, you are required to define the actions that the language will perform when certain syntactical structures are recognized. For instance, when the parser recognizes a variable declaration, the semantic actions might involve allocating memory for that variable, or when a transaction statement is detected, the semantics could ensure that the transaction adheres to the principles of blockchain, such as decentralization, immutability, and consensus.
In Python, semantics can be implemented by defining functions and classes that encapsulate the behavior associated with language constructs. For a blockchain application, this would include handling transaction creation, verification, hashing, and adding blocks to the chain. You would also need to enforce the rules associated with blockchain, such as validating the integrity of the chain and ensuring proper cryptography is used throughout.
Overall, adding semantics is about bringing grammar rules to life by assigning meaning and behavior to the parsed tokens. This is crucial for your programming language to function as intended, especially for a complex application such as a blockchain.