Towards Multi-editor Support for Domain-Specific Languages Utilizing the Language Server Protocol

Abstract

In model-driven software development (MDSD) projects, frequently domain experts and developers work together on the same model. However, they have quite different preferences concerning tools for working with a model. While developers require a powerful integrated development environment (IDE), domain experts are overwhelmed by the amount of functionality of an IDE and its confusing user interface. They prefer a simple editor, often provided as a web application, which does not require a local installation. Currently, both stakeholders typically agree on a common tool, which is frustrating for at least one of them. The Language Server Protocol (LSP) is a standard that aims to include language smarts into simple editors without turning them into IDEs. Originally, it has been designed for programming languages. In the present paper, we will give evidence based on a case study and a corresponding SWOT analysis that it is even more beneficial for a textual domain-specific language (DSL) as it is often used in MDSD. We will focus on the language workbench Xtext which supports the LSP. In particular, we will investigate how the LSP can be used to integrate a DSL into different development tools (editors and IDEs). Supplementing the SWOT analysis, we have also evaluated the practical relevance of the LSP.