Language workbench support for block-based DSLs

Block-based languages offer notable advantages for bringing domain-specific languages (DSLs) closer to an end-user programming audience. Nevertheless, the construction of block-based languages is still a rather ad hoc and low-level endeavour. Language workbenches have been shown to be effective in improving productivity when developing textual or otherwise graphical DSLs. In this paper, we sketch open challenges and work in progress to provide language workbench support for block-based languages. In particular we address dedicated meta languages for defining the syntax of block-based languages. Making block-based language development part of the common language workbench repertoire will improve the adoption of the block metaphor outside the realm of programming education, and bring DSLs closer to end-user programming