A Domain-Specific Language for Normalization of Financial Derivatives Data

Abstract: A Domain-Specific Language (DSL) is a language tailored for a specific problem domain with the purpose of improving developer productivity and communication with domain experts. In this thesis we investigate how a DSL for normalization of financial derivatives data can be designed and implemented. The thesis includes research on the general subject of DSL engineering and previously established approaches and guidelines for DSL development. We describe a development process that consists of three phases: domain analysis, language design and implementation. The proposed solution was evaluated according to a set of predefined quality criteria. The report concludes with a discussion about data normalization as a DSL domain as well as what impact decisions made during the development process had on the proposed solution. The thesis fulfills its purpose of being an exploratory study of DSL development and the conclusions listed in the final chapter should apply to all data normalization DSLs.