Do I Really Need a DSL?

Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) have hit the sweet spot on the hype cycle. We now hear potential clients say things like:

Our proposed killer app will target (some domain they don't understand). Step 1: Write a DSL. Step 2. ? Step 3. Profit!

DSLs are very useful, but they are no substitute for good domain design... or good code for that matter. In this talk, we will compare DSLs with other analysis and implementation tools, and help you decide when and how they are a good fit. Along the way we will discuss:

  • Good API design
  • Declarative style
  • Mini-DSLs
  • Internal DSls
  • External DSLs
  • User Interfaces
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