DSLs Enable Reliable Use of LLMs

This article discusses the use of Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) to improve the reliability of code generated by Large Language Models (LLMs). It argues that while LLMs can generate code quickly, they need clear boundaries to produce exactly what is intended. Abstractions and DSLs serve as a harness to guide LLMs from the start. The article presents Tickloom, a domain model and DSL for illustrating distributed system behavior, as an example of using an LLM to iteratively build a DSL and as a natural language interface. It covers the limits of upfront specification, how design is discovered through implementation, and why DSLs work well with LLMs. The piece is relevant to IT/technology professionals interested in software engineering, AI-assisted development, and best practices for integrating LLMs into development workflows.