Physics4all DSL (Physics for All Domain-Specific Language): a domain-specific language for “democratising” physics simulations using JetBrains MPS domain-specific language environment
Authors: Meacham, S., de La Bourdonnayeb, C., Pech, V. and Alfraihi, H.
Journal: Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory
Publisher: Elsevier BV
eISSN: 1878-1462
ISSN: 1569-190X
Abstract:This work involves the design, development, and deployment of a new domainspecific language (DSL) aimed at democratizing physics simulations. The democratization of simulations refers to simplifying complex simulation environments through abstraction and domain-specific focus, enabling nonspecialists—such as educators, students, and the general public—to perform and understand them. To achieve this, a DSL was developed as a front-end to existing simulation environments, streamlining their interfaces and configurations for physics applications. Leveraging JetBrains MPS’s powerful code generation mechanisms, the DSL seamlessly integrated with underlying simulation environments, ensuring full utilization of their capabilities.
The effectiveness of the developed DSL was evaluated by secondary school teachers and educational technology developers, who provided feedback on its ability to simplify simulations and enhance physics education. The results were promising, highlighting the DSL’s potential, and further work toward its adoption has been prioritized.
Source: Manual