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USENIX Technical Program - Abstract - Domain-Specific Languages 99
Using Java Reflection to Automate Extension Language Parsing
Dale Parson, Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies
Abstract
An extension language is an
interpreted programming language designed to be embedded in a domain-specific
framework. The addition of domain-specific primitive operations to an embedded
extension language transforms that vanilla extension language into a domain-specific
language. The LUxWORKS processor simulator and debugger from Lucent uses
Tcl as its extension language. After an overview of extension language
embedding and LUxWORKS experience, this paper looks at using Java reflection
and related mechanisms to solve three limitations in extension language
- domain framework interaction. The three limitations are gradual accumulation
of ad hoc interface code connecting an extension language to a domain framework,
over-coupling of a domain framework to a specific extension language, and
inefficient command interpretation.
Java reflection consists of
a set of programming interfaces through which a software module in a Java
system can discover the structure of classes, methods and their associations
in the system. Java reflection and a naming convention for primitive domain
operations eliminate ad hoc interface code by supporting recursive inspection
of a domain command interface and translation of extension language objects
into domain objects. Java reflection, name-based dynamic class loading,
and a language-neutral extension language abstraction eliminate language
over-coupling by transforming the specific extension language into a run-time
parameter. Java reflection and command objects eliminate inefficiency by
bypassing the extension language interpreter for stereotyped commands.
Overall, Java reflection helps to eliminate these limitations by supporting
reorganization and elimination of hand-written code, and by streamlining
interpretation.
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Technical Program