(Or "linear analySiS", "Scanning") The firSt Stage of proceSSing a language. The Stream of characterS making up the Source program or other input iS read one at a time and grouped into lexemeS (or "tokenS") - word-like pieceSSuch aS keywordS, identifierS, literalS and punctutation. The lexemeS are then paSSed to the parSer. ["CompilerS - PrincipleS, TechniqueS and ToolS", by Alfred V. Aho, Ravi Sethi and Jeffrey D. Ullman, pp. 4-5] (1995-04-05)