Notable design patterns for domain-specific languages

The realisation of domain-specific languages ( dsls) differs in fundamental ways from that of traditional programming languages. We describe eight recurring patterns that we have identified as being used for dsl design and implementation. Existing languages can be extended, restricted, partially used, or become hosts for dsls. Simple dsls can be implemented by lexical processing. In addition, dsls can be used to create front-ends to existing systems or to express complicated data structures. Finally, dsls can be combined using process pipelines. The patterns described form a pattern language that can be used as a building block for a systematic view of the software development process involving dsls.