Natural Language Parsing is accomplished in ECL by combining pattern definitions with an output RECORD structure (or TRANSFORM function) specifically designed to receive the parsed values, then using the PARSE function to perform the operation.

Pattern definitions are used to detect "interesting" text within the data. Just as with all other attribute definitions, these patterns typically define specific parsing elements and may be combined to form more complex patterns, tokens, and rules.

The output RECORD structure (or TRANSFORM function) defines the format of the resulting recordset. It typically contains specific pattern matching functions that return the "interesting" text, its length or position.

The PARSE function implements the parsing operation. It returns a recordset that may then be post-processed as needed using standard ECL syntax, or simply output.