1 ===================== 2 TableGen Deficiencies 3 ===================== 4 5 .. contents:: 6 :local: 7 8 Introduction 9 ============ 10 11 Despite being very generic, TableGen has some deficiencies that have been 12 pointed out numerous times. The common theme is that, while TableGen allows 13 you to build Domain-Specific-Languages, the final languages that you create 14 lack the power of other DSLs, which in turn increase considerably the size 15 and complexity of TableGen files. 16 17 At the same time, TableGen allows you to create virtually any meaning of 18 the basic concepts via custom-made back-ends, which can pervert the original 19 design and make it very hard for newcomers to understand it. 20 21 There are some in favour of extending the semantics even more, but making sure 22 back-ends adhere to strict rules. Others suggesting we should move to more 23 powerful DSLs designed with specific purposes, or even re-using existing 24 DSLs. 25 26 Known Problems 27 ============== 28 29 TODO: Add here frequently asked questions about why TableGen doesn't do 30 what you want, how it might, and how we could extend/restrict it to 31 be more use friendly. 32