Un Domain Specific Language

Choose a dsl template.

Un domain specific language. There are a wide variety of dsls ranging from widely used languages for common domains such as html for web pages down to languages used by only one or a few pieces of software such as. Sql used for database queries and data manipulation. A domain specific language dsl is a language meant for use in the context of a particular domain. The basic idea of a domain specific language dsl is a computer language that s targeted to a particular kind of problem rather than a general purpose language that s aimed at any kind of software problem.

A domain specific language is a programming language or executable specification language that is restricted to a certain domain by explicitly covering the requirements for the domain 35. Domain specific languages can be extremely specific and being created only to be used within a company. Domain specific languages have been talked about and used for almost as long as computing has been done. I can instead list several examples of public dsls which are used by millions of persons.

On the select domain specific language options page select one of the solution templates such as minimal language choose a template that is similar to the dsl that you want to create. Enter a filename extension on the file extension page. Domain specific languages dsls have been around since i ve been in computing but it s hard to find much information about how to work with them. A domain specific language dsl is a specialized programming language that is used for a single purpose.

A domain could be a business context e g banking insurance etc or an application context e g a web application database etc in contrast a general purpose language gpl can be used for a wide range of business problems and applications. A detailed guide on implementing both internal and external dsls. Notes for buying my books. Domain specific language is a marker of inclusion within a community of practice.

A domain specific language dsl is a computer language specialized to a particular application domain this is in contrast to a general purpose language gpl which is broadly applicable across domains. I have built several of this kind of dsls myself but i am not allowed to share them. Examples of vocabulary in various domains. By martin fowler with rebecca parsons.

For more information about solution templates see choosing a domain specific language solution template.