Aspect-Specific Languages

Cristina Videira Lopes

Abstract: In the first part of the talk, I will describe JAML, an extensible XML-based language framework supporting the development of aspect-specific languages. Domain-specificity is supported by leveraging on XML's extensibility: an open implementation of the aspect weaver can be extend using standard plugin techniques. I'll present case studies of aspect-specific languages and show how to write aspect plugins for the weaver. Experience with JAML shows that (a) programming crosscutting concerns can be done without programmers having to master the models supporting AOP; and (b) the process of developing aspect-specific languages can be fast and can be reproduced from aspect to aspect.