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