1.1 Overview This document provides the full reference for the Eiffel language. Eiffel is a method of software construction and a language applicable to the analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of software systems. This International Standard covers only the language, with an emphasis on the implementation aspects. As a consequence, the word "Eiffel" in the rest of this document is an abbreviation for "the Eiffel language". 1.2 "The Standard" The language definition proper — "the Standard" — is contained in Clause 8 of this document, with the exception of text appearing between markers Informative text and End; such text only plays an explanatory role for human readers. 1.3 Aspects covered The Standard specifies: • the form of legal basic constituents of Eiffel texts, or lexical properties of the language; • the structure of legal Eiffel texts made of lexically legal constituents, or syntax properties; • supplementary restrictions imposed on syntactically legal Eiffel texts, or validity properties; • the computational effect of executing valid Eiffel texts, or semantic properties; and • some requirements on a conforming implementation of Eiffel, such as the ability to produce certain forms of automatic documentation. 1.4 Aspects not covered The Standard does not specify: • the requirements that a computing environment must meet to support the translation, execution and other handling of Eiffel texts; • the semantic properties of an Eiffel text if it or its data exceed the capacity of a particular computing environment; • the mechanisms for translating Eiffel texts into a form that can be executed in a computing environment; • the mechanisms for starting the execution of the result of such a translation; and • other mechanisms for handling Eiffel texts and interacting with users of the language. The specification of Clause 8 consists of precise specification elements, originating with the book Standard Eiffel where these elements are accompanied by extensive explanations and examples. The elements retained are: • definitions of technical terms and Eiffel concepts; • syntax specifications; • validity constraints (with their codes, such as VVBG); and • semantic specifications.