Domain Specific Languages: Introduction

A simple definition of a DSL, an example in both Java and Kotlin, and a demonstration of the unexpected way a DSL actually becomes a DSL.

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THE CURRENT VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE IS PUBLISHED HERE.

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Tags: #FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT

This article is part of the Kotlin Primer, an opinionated guide to the Kotlin language, which is indented to help facilitate Kotlin adoption inside Java-centric organizations. It was originally written as an organizational learning resource for Etnetera a.s. and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their support.

It is recommended to read the Introduction before moving on. Check out the Table of Contents for all articles.

To some, DSLs — domain specific languages — can appear to have a mystical quality. One of those things that you hear about, but maybe treat as a form of esoteric programming knowledge which has no business being used in the real world. This is actually far from true, and in fact we will see that DSLs are just a special name for something you already do every…