An Ontology-Based Approach to the Domain Specific Languages Design

Abstract

Developing software systems for various domains is a complex task. The quality of the system, corresponding to the domain requirements, can only be achieved via involving the model development of experts in the relevant fields. Traditional design methods based on the using professional tools and modeling languages are difficult for subject matter experts. Using Domain Specific Languages (DSL) have been increasingly gaining attention of developers because DSLs are created to cope with specific domain particularities. However, DSL development consists of several steps to be performed can be hard. Identifying the correct set of elements and constructions of DSL, defining their constraints can be very error-prone. Automation of the new DSLs development is relevant task. The designing of new DSLs should be based on the knowledge of experts, which can be represented using an ontology. An approach to DSM platform development based on using multifaceted ontology to DSL design is proposed. Examples of DSLs and models illustrating the applicability of the proposed methodology are described.