pseudoDSL

pseudoDSL is a term used to describe a lightweight, pseudo domain-specific language that is primarily intended for illustration, prototyping, or teaching rather than for production use. It imitates the style or structure of a real DSL without enforcing a complete grammar, formal semantics, or toolchain.

pseudoDSL can be presented as external syntax designed to look like a DSL, or as an internal DSL embedded in a host programming language. In the external form, the syntax may be intentionally simplified or inconsistent to emphasize concepts rather than parsing practicality. In the internal form, a host language’s features are repurposed to resemble DSL constructs without adding dedicated parsing or interpretation layers.

Key characteristics include a focus on readability and expressiveness over rigor, often featuring constructs that resemble natural language or compact domain-specific commands. It typically lacks formal semantics, comprehensive tooling, and full scalability guarantees, and it may not be Turing complete. Because it prioritizes demonstration over implementation, pseudoDSL is usually not intended for production workflows.

Common use cases involve design discussions, concept demonstrations of DSL ideas, rapid prototyping of workflows, test scaffolding, or educational examples where the goal is to convey how a DSL might look and feel rather than to provide a deployable language.

Design notes for pseudoDSL emphasize clear labeling as a simulation or teaching artifact, avoiding overreach into production tooling, and documenting the intended scope and limitations. When a real DSL is later adopted, pseudoDSL artifacts should be updated or replaced to prevent confusion.