Posts Tagged ‘LanguageEngineering’
[KotlinConf2017] Building Languages Using Kotlin
Lecturer
Federico Tomassetti is an independent software architect specializing in language engineering, with expertise in designing languages, parsers, compilers, and editors. Holding a Ph.D., Federico has worked across Europe for companies like TripAdvisor and Groupon, and now collaborates remotely with global organizations. His focus on Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) and language tooling leverages Kotlin’s capabilities to streamline development, making him a leading figure in creating accessible, pragmatic programming languages.
Abstract
Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) enhance developer productivity by providing tailored syntax for specific problem domains. This article analyzes Federico Tomassetti’s presentation at KotlinConf 2017, which explores building DSLs using Kotlin’s concise syntax and metaprogramming capabilities. It examines the context of language engineering, the methodology for creating DSLs, the role of tools like ANTLR, and the implications for making language development economically viable. Federico’s pragmatic approach demonstrates how Kotlin reduces the complexity of building languages, enabling developers to create efficient, domain-focused tools with practical applications.
Context of Language Engineering
At KotlinConf 2017, held in San Francisco from November 1–3, 2017, Federico Tomassetti addressed the growing importance of language engineering in software development. Languages, as tools that shape productivity, require ecosystems of compilers, editors, and parsers, traditionally demanding significant effort to develop. Kotlin’s emergence as a concise, interoperable language for the JVM offered a new opportunity to streamline this process. Federico, a language engineer with experience at major companies, highlighted how Kotlin’s features make DSL development accessible, even for smaller projects where resource constraints previously limited such endeavors.
The context of Federico’s presentation reflects the shift toward specialized languages that address specific domains, such as financial modeling or configuration management. DSLs simplify complex tasks by providing intuitive syntax, but their development was historically costly. Kotlin’s metaprogramming and type-safe features reduce this barrier, enabling developers to create tailored languages efficiently. Federico’s talk aimed to demystify the process, offering a general framework for building DSLs and evaluating their effort, appealing to developers seeking to enhance productivity through custom tools.
Methodology for Building DSLs
Federico’s methodology for building DSLs with Kotlin centers on a structured process encompassing grammar definition, parsing, and editor integration. He advocated using ANTLR, a powerful parser generator, to define the grammar of a DSL declaratively. ANTLR’s ability to generate parsers for multiple languages, including JavaScript for browser-based applications, simplifies cross-platform development. Federico demonstrated how ANTLR handles operator precedence automatically, reducing the complexity of grammar rules and producing simpler, maintainable parsers compared to handwritten alternatives.
Kotlin’s role in this methodology is twofold: its concise syntax streamlines the implementation of parsers and compilers, while its metaprogramming capabilities, such as type-safe builders, facilitate the creation of intuitive DSL syntax. Federico showcased a custom framework, Canvas, to build editors, abstracting common functionality to reduce development time. Errors are collected during validation and displayed collectively in the editor, ensuring comprehensive feedback for syntax and semantic issues. This approach leverages Kotlin’s interoperability to integrate DSLs with existing systems, enhancing their practicality.
Practical Applications and Tools
The practical applications of Federico’s approach lie in creating DSLs that address specific business needs, such as configuration languages or data processing scripts. By using Kotlin, developers can build lightweight, domain-focused languages that integrate seamlessly with JVM-based applications. Federico’s use of ANTLR for parsing supports auto-completion in editors, enhancing the developer experience. His Canvas framework, tailored for editor development, demonstrates how reusable components can accelerate the creation of language ecosystems, making DSLs viable for projects with limited resources.
The methodology’s emphasis on declarative grammar definition with ANTLR ensures portability across platforms, such as generating JavaScript parsers for web-based DSLs. Federico’s approach to error handling, collecting and displaying all errors simultaneously, improves usability by providing clear feedback. These tools and techniques make DSL development accessible, enabling developers to create specialized languages that enhance productivity in domains like finance, engineering, or automation, where tailored syntax can simplify complex tasks.
Implications for Software Development
Federico’s presentation underscores Kotlin’s transformative potential in language engineering. By reducing the effort required to build DSLs, Kotlin democratizes language development, making it feasible for smaller teams or projects. The use of ANTLR and custom frameworks like Canvas lowers the technical barrier, allowing developers to focus on domain-specific requirements rather than infrastructure. This has significant implications for industries where custom languages can streamline workflows, from data analysis to system configuration.
For the broader software ecosystem, Federico’s approach highlights Kotlin’s versatility beyond traditional application development. Its metaprogramming capabilities position it as a powerful tool for creating developer-friendly languages, challenging the dominance of general-purpose languages in specialized domains. The emphasis on community feedback, as evidenced by Federico’s engagement with audience questions, ensures that DSL development evolves with practical needs, fostering a collaborative ecosystem. As Kotlin’s adoption grows, its role in language engineering could redefine how developers approach domain-specific challenges.
Conclusion
Federico Tomassetti’s presentation at KotlinConf 2017 illuminated the potential of Kotlin for building Domain Specific Languages, leveraging its concise syntax and metaprogramming capabilities to streamline language engineering. The methodology, combining ANTLR for parsing and custom frameworks for editor development, offers a pragmatic approach to creating efficient, domain-focused languages. By reducing the cost and complexity of DSL development, Kotlin enables developers to craft tools that enhance productivity across diverse domains. Federico’s insights position Kotlin as a catalyst for innovation in language engineering, with lasting implications for software development.