RestRho: A JSON-Based Domain-Specific Language for Designing and Developing RESTful APIs to Validate RhoArchitecture

Enrique Chavarriaga, Luis Rojas (), Francy D. Rodríguez, Kat Sorbello and Francisco Jurado ()
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Enrique Chavarriaga: Departament I+D+i, UGround Global S.L., 28003 Madrid, Spain
Luis Rojas: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8420524, Chile
Francy D. Rodríguez: Computer Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
Kat Sorbello: The Stella Way, Brisbane 4118, Australia
Francisco Jurado: Department of Computer Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-36

Abstract: Domain-Specific Languages with JSON grammar (JSON-DSLs) are specialized programming languages tailored to specific problem domains, offering higher abstraction levels and simplifying software implementation through the JSON standard. RhoArchitecture is an approach for designing and executing JSON-DSLs, incorporating a modular programming model, a JSON-based evaluation engine, and an integrated web development environment. This paper presents RestRho, a RESTful NodeJS server developed using two JSON-DSLs designed with RhoArchitecture: SQLRho and DBRestRho. These languages enable declarative specification of database operations and HTTP requests, respectively, supporting modularity, reuse, and template-based transformations. We validate the RestRho implementation through a dual approach. First, we apply software metrics to assess code quality, maintainability, and complexity. Second, we conduct an empirical study involving 39 final-year computer engineering students, who completed 18 structured tasks and provided feedback via questionnaires. The results demonstrate the tool’s usability, development efficiency, and potential for adoption in web application development.

Keywords: domain-specific languages; JSON; JSON-DSL; API RESTful; Rho architecture; templates engine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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