What approach to use when creating an XML/HTML parser?

Question

Parsing

Actually, I want it to work quickly, but also without unnecessary difficulties. My first thought is a state machine with a couple of accumulator variables, processing character by character in a loop, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Answer 1

Well, in fact, any parsers are finite automata that process 1 character per cycle.
If it’s fast and without unnecessary difficulties, then probably you just shouldn’t reinvent the wheel, but look at ready-made solutions.