- #Domain specific languages martin fowler rebecca parsons pdf software
- #Domain specific languages martin fowler rebecca parsons pdf code
I could think of so many places – past and present – where a DSL would have been simple to implement and benefits would have been tremendous. He also separates the building of a semantic model from the parsing mechanisms. The list goes on and on where a DSL is desirable.įowler goes on to discuss different “adaptive” programming models (state machine, decision tables, product rule systems, etc) with their pros and cons. Ugly, unyielding APIs, complex build systems, enterprise integration glue code, test harnesses, requirement capturing using a human readable (and yet formal) grammar. His main argument (or so the way I’m understanding his message) is that a DSL is desirable if we have an underlying domain model or API for which a possibly alternative model of computation (alternative to imperative) is desirable or advantageous. The first 1/3 of the book discusses DSLs in general, with the remaining 2/3 being an encyclopedia of technical items and patterns for implementing them. It’s really, really, really good.įowler doesn’t just focus on DSLs, but on design principles that need to be taken into consideration before even considering a DSL. If you know what DSLs are, and you want to get a deeper insight into the subject (or get a better understanding if you work in DSL development), you should get Fowler’s book. It is a natural extension IMO of Model-Driven Development. I know first-hand of places (embedded and enterprise) that use them quite successfully.
#Domain specific languages martin fowler rebecca parsons pdf software
I would suggest you listen to Software Engineering Radio podcast (episode 182) on the subject, with Martin Fowler himself and Rebecca Parsons as guests.ĭSLs and LOP (Language Oriented Programming) aren’t a fad. If you work in software, and don’t know what DSLs (Domain Specific Languages) are, you owe it to yourself to get acquainted to them. All are published by Addison-Wesley.One of the things I’ve been wanting to do, and which I’m finally getting to, is to ready Fowler’s book on DSLs. I concentrate on designing enterprise software-looking at what makes a good design and what practices are needed to come up with good design." Fowler’s books include Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture UML Distilled, Third Edition and (with Kent Beck, John Brant, and William Opdyke) Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code. He describes himself as "an author, speaker, consultant, and general loudmouth on software development. Martin Fowler is Chief Scientist at ThoughtWorks.
#Domain specific languages martin fowler rebecca parsons pdf code
In Domain-Specific Languages, noted software development expert Martin Fowler first provides the information software professionals need to decide if and when to utilize DSLs. When carefully selected and used, Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) may simplify complex code, promote effective communication with customers, improve productivity, and unclog development bottlenecks.