BDL: a specialized language for per-object reactive control

Abstract

AbstractÐThe problem of describing the concurrent behavior of objects in object-oriented languages is addressed. The approach taken is to let methods be the behavior units whose synchronization is controlled separate from their specification. Our proposal is a domain-specific language, called BDL, for expressing constraints on this control and actually implementing its enforcement. We propose a model where each object includes a so-called ªexecution controller,º programmed in BDL. This separates cleanly the concepts of what the methods do, the object processes, from the circumstances in which they are allowed to do it, the control. The object controller ensures that scheduling constraints between the object's methods are met. Aggregate objects can be controlled in terms of their components. This language has a convenient formal base. Thus, using BDL expressions, behavioral properties of objects or groups of interesting objects can be verified. Our approach allows, for example, deadlock detection or verification of safety properties, while maintaining a reasonable code size for the running controller.A compiler from BDL has been implemented, automatically generating controller code in an Esterel program, i.e., in a reactive programming language. From this code, the Esterel compiler, in turn, generates an automaton on which verifications are done. Then this automaton is translated into a C code to be executed. This multistage process typifies the method for successful use of a domainspecific language. This also allows high-level concurrent programming.

Modeling and Simulating Persuasion Strategies: Domain Specific Language for Persuasive Systems’ Design Productivity

“…A similar attempt was realized by Bertrand & Augeraud (1999). They proposed a domain-specific language called BDL Behavioral Description Language.…”