Building Domain Specific Languages in Kotlin: Kotlin language features and software design patterns for creating DSLs and improving code - Softcover

Milette, Greg

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1661636160 ISBN 13: 9781661636166

Publisher: Independently published, 2019

Synopsis

What amazing code can you write with Kotlin? You have features like function types, nullables, and extension functions that are useful, but how can you use features like these to write code that you never could have in other languages like Java? One answer is: embed a domain specific language in your code to make common code easier to use.If you are writing Kotlin code, inevitably you will encounter a Domain Specific Language (DSL). A DSL may be in your build tool, UI code, or somewhere else, but trust me it is there. Why do these DSLs exist? They allow you to create new simplified syntax for your APIs and libraries. With the ability to create this syntax you can go beyond object oriented design and create even more effective code that is easy to understand and has less errors. This book shows you the Kotlin features and design patterns you need to know to implement complex DSLs or make small improvements to anywhere in your code. Along the way you will gain a deeper understanding of some of Kotlin's language features such as lambdas and extension functions.You will learn techniques for building DSLsBuilding a DSL in Kotlin requires you to understand:DSL design: DSLs make assumptions to simplify syntax, such as assuming the code is part of a particular problem domain.Kotlin features: DSL implementations sometimes employ Kotlin features in ways that are unusual to achieve a desired syntax.Software design patterns: Software design patterns can help you create different syntax and also simplify DSLs.The Kotlin features and design patterns this book describes are:Kotlin features:Lambda with receiverInvoke operatorOperator overloadExtension functionsCustom property accessorsInfix notationDesign patterns:Function chainsNested buildersContext variablesSymbolsYou will be able to write new kinds of codeYou will see ample code examplesThis book contains two parts to help you learn the necessary DSL skills. First, it has ample code examples to demonstrate each concept. Second, it has step by step exercises you can use to help you to practice what you have learned.Are you excited?Grab this book and start maximizing your knowledge of Kotlin and building some great new DSL syntax.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1661636160
• ISBN 13: 9781661636166
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 68