MetaBNF: A Meta-Language for Defining MPS DSLs

🚀 MetaBNF is a language designed in JetBrains MPS that allows developers to describe and generate domain-specific languages (DSLs) using an extended Backus-Naur Form (BNF) notation.

With MetaBNF, you can define a DSL in a familiar grammar-like syntax and automatically generate MPS Concepts, Editors, and Language Components.

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✨ Features

✅ Define languages using BNF-style notation
✅ Generate MPS Concepts, Properties, References, and Editors
✅ Extend with custom annotations for additional MPS features
✅ Automate language creation inside JetBrains MPS

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📖 Example: Defining a DSL in MetaBNF

A simple expression language using MetaBNF:

// Root Node with Child of 0..n
< WorkBook  > ::= { BNFStatements } ;

// Abstract Concept definition         
<< **BNFStatements** >> ::= <no expr>   
                                     
// extends BNFStatements             
< EmptyLine (A) > ::= <no expr> ;    
                                     
// Interface definition with an optional Child
<I `IBNFBaseStatement`  I>             
  ::= [ BNFExpression as expr ] ;    
                                     
<< BNFExpression  >> ::= <no expr>   

🔥 This MetaBNF definition will generate:
✔️ Expression, BinaryOperation, Number, and Variable as MPS Concepts
✔️ Operator as an MPS Enumeration
✔️ Structure-aware editors inside MPS

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🛠 Installation & Setup

1️⃣ Prerequisites

• JetBrains MPS 2023.2.2 or newer
• Java 17+
• (Optional) Git for cloning the repo
• mbeddr.core available due to some dependencies

2️⃣ Clone the Repo & Import into MPS

git clone https://github.com/porscheofficial/MetaBNF.git
cd MetaBNF

• Open JetBrains MPS
• Import the project via File → Open Project

3️⃣ Try It Out!

1. Create a new MPS Solution
2. Add a new model and use the MetaBNF editor
3. Define a simple grammar and run the generator
4. Use the generated language inside MPS! 🚀

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📚 Documentation & Roadmap

🚧 We're actively developing MetaBNF! Future updates will include:

• MPS UI Integration
• Custom Syntax Extensions
• Improved Error Checking & Validation

Check out our Wiki for more details!

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🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:
✅ Submit issues for bugs or feature requests
✅ Fork & create pull requests with improvements
✅ Join the discussion in our community

🔗 Check out our Contribution Guide

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📜 License

MetaBNF is open-source under the Apache 2.0.

🔗 Dependency

Dependency to included packages into project:

• com.mbeddr:mbeddr
• com.mbeddr:platform
• de.itemis.mps:mps-gradle-plugin
• com.jetbrains:mps
• org.apache.ant:ant-junit