Implementing a Domain-Specific Language using Stratego/XT: An Experience Paper

We describe the experience of implementing a Domain-Specific Language using transformation to a General Purpose Language. The domain of application is image processing and low-level computer vision. The transformation is accomplished using the Stratego/XT language transformation toolset. The implementation presented here is contrasted with the original implementation carried out many years ago using standard compiler implementation tools of the day. We highlight some of the unexpected advantages afforded to us, as language designers and implementers, by the source-to-source transformation technique. We also present some of the practical challenges faced in the implementation and show how these issues were addressed.