Abstract:
Since the introduction of computers to the general workforce
businesses have searched for a solution that will enable subject
matter experts to specify the business logic of an application. This
solution is highly sought after since it will allow the application
to be changed without the assistance of a programmer. Programmers
are still required to create the application; however, the
application is written in a way that empowers the subject matter
experts to maintain the business logic. Enabling the subject matter
expert greatly increases efficiency of maintaining an application as
the needs of the business change.
Using a Domain Specific Language (DSL) is the most recent solution to
this problem. A Business Natural Language is a Domain Specific
Language; however, not all Domain Specific Languages are Business
Natural Languages. Business Natural Languages use natural language
to represent business logic. Business Natural Languages are
expressed as descriptive and maintainable phrases.
For example, a marketing executive for an airline could specify point
award descriptions as:
- award 1 point for each mile flown where the total flight length is
greater than 500 miles
- award 500 points for each flight where the total flight length is
less than or equal to 500 miles
Any domain expert, with no explanation required, can read a well-
written Business Natural Language as if it were simply a phrase
specifying logic.
The previous airline example appears to be a specification written by
a business analyst. The specification could be used to describe
business logic to be implemented in a general-purpose language.
However, when using a Business Natural Language the above example is
a specification, but also much more. The above example is executable
code, which will be used to determine point allocation after each
flight flown. The above example is also documentation of the
business rules contained in the point allocation application. And,
the above example can be used to formulate a test case to verify the
system works as expected.
Business Natural Languages allow you to specify, in one location,
exactly how your application should work.
Abstract:
Rails has taken the development world by storm, being compared to Java in
the skills parade of recent job adverts. But is Rails the right choice?
This panel of experts will discuss the reasons for picking the framework over
other platform options, exploring topics such as choosing the platform for
prototyping, scalability and ease of management.
Join us to get involved with the QandA and decide for yourself if switching to Rails is the path for you.