Tachyon, Thanks for the reply...I think I understand my questions now...I had no idea the rule name was passed back as item[0].

Your right about not considering how complex this project is...the generic languge can be anything, not necessarily what I proposed. Im not quite sure what you mean when you say why not use a real language? Do you have any examples?

I was trying to come up with a generic language that allows the basic data structures (element, array, hash) that will eventually get parsed and translated to a tool specific language...this way variables only need to be specified in one place and converted if needed. If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to share them.

Once again, I really appreciate all of your knowledge and help!!

regards,

Phillip