Development of Domain-Specific Languages based on Generic Syntax and Functional Composition

• Published in: Information sciences and technologies Vol. 4; no. 3; p. 47
• Main Author: Chodarev, Sergej
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bratislava Slovak Technical University Press 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Categories; Grammars; Joints; Libraries; Modular; Processors; Prototypes; Syntax
• ISSN: 1338-1237; 1338-6654

Domain-specific languages allow to raise the level of abstraction by using concepts and operations of the domain. Limited applicability of these languages requires lower development costs compared to general-purpose languages. This means that different development techniques need to be used. This work is a contribution to the field of development of domain-specific languages. It analyses the current state of the field. Special attention is given to the analysis of language composition methods and identifying widespread composition techniques. Composition is analyzed not only on the level of grammars, but also on the level of language concepts. The work presents proposed approach for language development based on the standardized generic syntax that serves the role of common substrate for developed languages. The structure of language elements is defined based on principles of functional composition extended with metaprogramming capabilities. The behavior of such language is defined using a general-purpose language that provides a connection with the outer environment. Proposed techniques allow modular language development using libraries of language elements. A prototype of the system for definition and processing of new languages was developed for experimental verification of proposed techniques. This was used for development of several languages. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.3.4 [ProgrammingLanguages]: Processors; D.3.2 [ProgrammingLanguages]: Language Classifications- Specialized application languages