SpotCheck is a Macintosh language-based editor, or structure editor, that "knows" the Java language. It is designed to help a Java programmer produce correct code, without relying on confusing and untimely feedback from a compiler. Specifically, SpotCheck identifies syntax errors and semantic errors (undefined names, type mismatches, etc.) -- those errors normally returned by a compiler. This analysis is performed after each edit, giving the programmer immediate feedback on errors. By separating error checking from code generation in this way, and making the process interactive, SpotCheck helps a programmer maintain a train of thought like never before. |