DSLliknande

DSLliknande is a term used in software design to describe approaches that aim to express domain concepts with the clarity and conciseness of a domain-specific language, while remaining within a general-purpose host language or as a compact, domain-focused syntax. The idea is to mirror the vocabulary and rules of a problem domain in code, making intent easier to read and reason about for both developers and domain experts.

It is commonly realized in two forms: internal (embedded) DSLs, which leverage the host language’s syntax and features to create DSL-like constructs, and external DSLs, which are separate languages designed for a domain but are used alongside a host language. In practice, the term DSLliknande is often used for internal DSLs and fluent interfaces that favor a readable, near-domain syntax without introducing a full separate parser.

Examples include Kotlin or Groovy-based Gradle build scripts (an internal DSL for configuring builds), Ruby DSLs used in Rails and RSpec, and C# LINQ-style query syntax that reads like a domain query language. Fluent API designs, such as chaining methods to configure parameters, are another common manifestation. External DSLs, such as SQL queries embedded in code or CSS-like styling rules, can also be described as DSL-like when used in a way that stays close to the domain vocabulary.

Benefits include improved expressiveness, reduced boilerplate, and closer alignment with domain concepts. Drawbacks can include steeper learning curves, potential ambiguity if the DSL becomes too permissive, maintenance challenges if the host language evolves, and additional tooling requirements for validation and debugging.

DSLliknande sits at the intersection of language design and software architecture, and is often chosen when a project benefits from explicit domain semantics but constraints prevent a separate DSL from being adopted.