Domain Specific Language (DSL) development for desktop-based database application generator

Abstract

Application Generator (AG) can help save time of software development. Some AG has its own DSL (Domain Specific Language) to direct the generated application outcome. In this research, we developed a DSL using the syntax notation text with simple structure that can assist AG in the process of generating source code for desktop-based database application using Java. DSL development is applying the methodology of DSL development from Czarnecki. The development for AG involves three areas of knowledge, i.e. domain engineering, DSL, and AG (compiler). Domain engineering is required to understand the target application domain to be generated, i.e. MySQL database and Java programming language with Swing UI. The DSL is developed in five phases, i.e. decision-making, analysis, design, implementation, and development. The AG itself is developed in Java platform. The DSL and AG developed in this research has shown that the DSL can help programmer to develop Java desktop-based database applications by utilizing DSL to map MySQL database into Java Swing UI, and employ AG to generate applications directly from DSL source. It is expected that further development of this research is to support more flexible application development.