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I'm currently using Datatype99 & Interface99 at work. What can I say? Everything goes well, nothing critical has appeared soon, my coworkers are able to unders

I'm currently using Datatype99 & Interface99 at work. What can I say? Everything goes well, nothing critical has appeared soon, my coworkers are able to understand the code. Regarding macro-based eDSLs, I would not resort to them for needs other than abstractions to be considered as a part of the language (ADTs, interfaces, etc.), since they are like languages on their own; when you try to understand/contribute to eDSL-based code, you have to understand its syntax and semantics, aside from how does it actually solve a particular problem in the problem domain. In fact, as for now, I don't see much need in something like Metalang99 except for Datatype99 & Interface99 (and probably my feature request to libmprompt [1]). [1]: https://github.com/koka-lang/libmprompt/issues/8 https://github.com/koka-lang/libmprompt/issues/8

lhorie 5y ago
That's interesting. The reason I'm asking is that I'm interested in the open source adoption angle. For example, say Linux went ham on DSLs, would people unwillingly learn it for the sake of being able to be part of the large community, would they embrace it as if it's the next best thing after sliced bread, or is that just never going to happen because of some strong conceptual aversion to the paradigm? Or say a not-so-known C projects wants to gain adoption/popularity, would the choice of using DSLs be a showstopping consideration?
- Hirrolot 5y ago
  I'd wager no, as long as you remain sane and do not pollute everything with fancy macro eDSLs. Specifically Datatype99 & Interface99 can be good for newcomers because they make code more concise, less intimidating and intricate.
- Zababa 5y ago
  I'd say it can be the opposite. If the DSL is addressing a real and common problem in C codebase, it's better to use it and that everyone use it rather than have everyone create their own special DSL.

lhorie 5y ago

That's interesting. The reason I'm asking is that I'm interested in the open source adoption angle. For example, say Linux went ham on DSLs, would people unwillingly learn it for the sake of being able to be part of the large community, would they embrace it as if it's the next best thing after sliced bread, or is that just never going to happen because of some strong conceptual aversion to the paradigm? Or say a not-so-known C projects wants to gain adoption/popularity, would the choice of using DSLs be a showstopping consideration?

Hirrolot 5y ago
I'd wager no, as long as you remain sane and do not pollute everything with fancy macro eDSLs. Specifically Datatype99 & Interface99 can be good for newcomers because they make code more concise, less intimidating and intricate.
Zababa 5y ago
I'd say it can be the opposite. If the DSL is addressing a real and common problem in C codebase, it's better to use it and that everyone use it rather than have everyone create their own special DSL.