Modeling languages are generally applied for developing systems and software – both internally, with domain-specific languages, and with standardized languages targeting a general purpose and a wide audience. Way too often these languages are weakly created and defined leading to poor quality: Language definitions tend to contain errors and inconsistencies; notations do not recognize the communication and problem-solving needs of humans; standardization organizations push exchange formats that do not fully work and offer certificates that do not measure mastery of the language. We describe common problems in language development and point them out with examples from known cases. To overcome these problems, we suggest several solutions to improve language development, including using modeling languages specifically designed to define modeling languages, continuous testing and prototyping, and keeping language users in the loop.

Juha-Pekka Tolvanen (jpt@metacase.com) is the CEO of MetaCase. He has been involved in domain-specific approaches and tools, notably metamodeling and code generator development since 1991. Juha-Pekka holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland and received best national dissertation award 1999. He acts as a consultant world-wide for modeling language and code generation development. Juha-Pekka has authored a book (Domain-Specific Modeling, Wiley) and over 100 articles in software development magazines, journals and conferences.