Domain-specific languages can crop up in a variety of different computing domains. A few common examples include the following:
- HTML: For defining web-based content
- SQL: For working with relational data
- YACC: For creating grammar and lexical parsers
While these examples are likely quite familiar to you, DSLs are available in many other domains that may be less familiar:
- Matlab: For mathematical programming
- GraphViz: For defining graph layouts
- Gradle DSL: For a configuration build using Gradle
As you can see, the use cases for DSLs are many and varied, and with these different DSLs come different languages, syntax, and conventions.
This is where the concept of Kotlin-based, domain-specific languages becomes very appealing. If you're already familiar with Kotlin, you can create your own DSL for these same types of problem spaces using a language you already know. This can empower you to create new tools for any problem area you see fit.
Now, let's take a look at several examples of Kotlin-based DSLs.