Unuglify C++ FSM with DSL
Domain Specific Languages (DSL) are an effective way to avoid boilerplate or repetitive code. Using DSLs lets the programmer focus on the problem domain, rather than the mechanisms used to solve it. Here I show how to design and implement a DSL using the C++ preprocessor, using the FSM library, and the examples I presented in my previous articles.
Summary
This blog shows how to design and implement a small Domain Specific Language (DSL) using the C++ preprocessor to simplify finite state machine (FSM) code, building on the FSM library and prior examples. Readers will learn practical patterns to remove boilerplate, make transitions clearer, and keep FSM code maintainable in embedded firmware projects.
Key Takeaways
- Design a preprocessor-based DSL that maps concise DSL syntax to C++ FSM constructs.
- Implement macros and helper templates to reduce boilerplate while preserving readability.
- Apply the FSM library to generate clear state and transition definitions usable in firmware.
- Integrate the DSL into existing projects with minimal runtime overhead and preserved debuggability.
- Test and validate DSL-defined FSMs to catch logical errors early and maintain correctness.
Who Should Read This
Embedded firmware developers and engineers experienced with C++ who design FSMs for microcontrollers or embedded systems and want to reduce boilerplate and improve maintainability.
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