Johanson, Arne, Hasselbring, Wilhelm, Oschlies, Andreas and Worm, Boris (2016) Evaluating Hierarchical Domain-Specific Languages for Computational Science: Applying the Sprat Approach to a Marine Ecosystem Model. In: Software Engineering for Science. , ed. by Carver, Jeffrey C., Chue Hong, Neil P. and Thiruvathukal, George K.. Taylor & Francis Group, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 175-200. ISBN 978-1-4987-4385-3

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Abstract

In this chapter, we present a Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) approach called Sprat, which adapts traditional software engineering practices in order to employ them in computational science. The approach is based on the hierarchical integration of so-called Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) to facilitate the collaboration of scientists from different disciplines in the development of complex simulation software. We describe how multiple DSLs can be integrated to achieve a clear separation of concerns among the disciplines and how to apply Sprat during the different phases of the software life cycle.

To evaluate our approach, we discuss results from a case study in which Sprat has been utilized for the implementation of a coupled marine ecosystem model for spatially-explicit fish stock prediction. We report on the DSLs developed for this case study, how scientists benefit from them, and on lessons learned. In particular, we analyze the results from expert interviews conducted with both scientists and professional DSL developers.

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