Throughout some posts we have been analyzing the different components of the methodology; we compile here the whole process.

Code Generation
We will use the Language Workbench, once the languages (DSLs) are defined, to perform the programming process, and along this process we will generate code to compile it and check the result in the final application.

Whenever we use languages that support partial classes, abstract classes, generic types, delegates, etc., we can generate code safely because we will do it in separate files without risk of overwriting other code such as manual or FW code. In other kind of languages we will need to use other strategies to mitigate this risk.

Merging with Frameworks
As in the previous case, depending on the final language in which we generate, this process will be more or less simple. In the case of FW-friendly languages (abstract and partial classes, delegates, etc.), this merging process it is provided by the syntax itself.

In other kind of languages we will need to adapt some functionalities or some configuration files, which can also be automated by the LW.

Manual Extensions
In most cases there will be certain features that may not be automated; otherwise our DSLs will be too complex, losing, as a result, their power.

In order to integrate the whole process on the LW, the best scenery is defining these extension languages on it, but, If this is not the case, we will program these extensions in the final language where we generate the code.

If we program the extensions in the final language, the most suitable way is to give the generated code a FW structure. With this extensible approach we avoid the risk of loss or replacement of the code.

Building
Once we have all the code: FWs, generated, manual extensions, configuration files and other, an automatic process performs the merging -if necessary-, the compilation and the deployment.

Depending on the operating system will have different tools to do it, but normally we will use batch files to program all the steps of this process.

 
In order to conclude, we want to remark that we have explained the methodology the way is done nowadays, but it is worth noting that it is a constantly evolving technology that aims to integrate the whole process in the LW: languages, debug, merging, building, etc.
 

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