Which language (that runs on JVM) is best suited for creating a DSL?

Question

We have a requirement to create complex fixed length and variable length Strings. These strings might represent a customer profile, an order etc. Which JVM based programming language do you guys suggest?

Idea is for a end user to create the strings using this DSL. So I am looking for validation, code completion etc.

Answer 1

Groovy

http://docs.codehaus.org/display/GROOVY/Writing+Domain-Specific+Languages

Answer 2

Use a Lisp that runs on the JVM. Some choices you have:

1. Clojure
2. JScheme
3. SISC
4. ABCL
5. Bigloo (Does not run on the JVM but has good Java interoperability).

There is a good free book that explains how to use Lisp to design software bottom-up, i.e how to grow Lisp into a language that is ideal to solve the problem at hand.

Languages in the Forth family are also great for defining DSLs. There are a few that runs on the JVM:

1. Niue
2. Misty Beach Forth