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Building a Code Generator

Code generators create output files from AST representations, enabling automated code production for various purposes.

Use Cases​

  • API Client Generation: Create client libraries from API specifications
  • Database Access Layers: Generate ORM code from database schemas
  • Configuration Code: Produce configuration classes from schema definitions
  • Test Code: Automatically generate test fixtures and mocks

Architecture​

The code generator follows a simple pattern:

  1. Input: AST representation of the source model
  2. Template Processing: Apply templates or generation rules
  3. Output: Generated source code in the target language

Key Features​

  • Template System: Use templates for consistent code structure
  • Customization: Support for project-specific generation rules
  • Validation: Ensure generated code meets quality standards
  • Incremental Generation: Update only changed portions

Implementation with Starlasu​

Starlasu provides:

  • ASTCodeGenerator: Base class for building generators
  • Printing Utilities: Methods for formatted code output
  • Indentation Management: Automatic code formatting
  • Testing Support: Tools for validating generated output

Best Practices​

  • Separate generation logic from business logic
  • Use templates for maintainable generation rules
  • Implement comprehensive testing of generated code
  • Provide customization hooks for different use cases