Experiences with domain-specific language embedding in scala

Embedding domain-specific languages (DSLs) in general-purpose programming languages offers a simpler path to im-plementation than developing standalone DSL processors. However, sacrifices must be made, particularly in formal analysis of DSL programs. This paper explores these trade-offs in the context of the Kiama project that is investigat-ing embedding of language processing DSLs in the Scala language. Examples are presented from preliminary exper-iments with embedding packrat parsing and strategy-based term rewriting. Particular attention is paid to the novel fea-tures of Scala that assist with this effort, including case classes, implicit conversions, and advanced support for pat-tern matching. 1