Modern Java in Action

Chapter 10. Domain-specific languages using lambdas

This chapter covers

• What domain-specific languages (DSLs) and their forms are
• The pros and cons of adding a DSL to your API
• The alternatives available on the JVM to a plain Java-based DSL
• Learning from the DSLs present in modern Java interfaces and classes
• Patterns and techniques to implement effective Java-based DSLs
• How commonly used Java libraries and tools use these patterns

Developers often forget that a programming language is first of all a language. The main purpose of any language is to convey a message in the clearest, most understandable way. Perhaps the most important characteristic of well-written software is clear communication of its intentions—or, as famous computer scientist ...