[Oberon] Syntax-directed program editing

[Mayson Lancaster]

I had a great experience writing an OS prototype back in the '80s (in
Modula 2, as it happened) using DEC's EVE (extensible Vax Editor,
IIRC) with macros which I wrote for each of the statement types. Much
code, almost bug-free, leading to a successful (albeit without any
follow-on work) demo after about 6 months.

On 1/16/16, Chris Burrows <chris at cfbsoftware.com> wrote:
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: eas lab [mailto:lab.eas at gmail.com]
>> Sent: Sunday, 17 January 2016 4:58 PM
>> To: chris at cfbsoftware.com; ETH Oberon and related systems
>> Subject: Re: [Oberon] CapsLock
>>
>> What about a syntax-directed editor/system, where you initially see:-
>> Module #ModID;  ConstDecls; ....
>>  ProcDecls;
>>  BEGIN
>>   Stmts
>>  END.
>>
>
> I have occasionally tried the sorts of systems that use shortcut keys to
> insert code templates / snippets for different constructs e.g. using Visual
> Studio's 'IntelliSense > Insert Snippet' feature you can type
> CTRL-KXF<Enter> and you will get
>
>       for (int i = 0; i < length; i++)
>       {
>
>       }
>
> You then edit the variables and fill in the blanks. However, I haven't got
> into the habit of using that. I find it awkward if my flow of typing does
> not follow my train of thought. Also, the slower I type the more time I
> spend thinking about what I am typing which is usually not such a bad thing
> :)
>
> My best experience with smart typing was in the 1980s when I was developing
> Pascal software for a couple of years on an HP64000 Microprocessor
> Development System. They had a neat system where each function key was
> mapped to a label just above the key at the bottom of the screen. The labels
> changed according to the context. However, I can't remember exactly, but I
> think it was probably used when entering command-lines rather than program
> text. In the HP64000 documentation (which can be downloaded from
> bitsavers.org) it is described as follows:
>
> "Directed syntax, softkey operation makes the Development Stations friendly.
> Syntax errors are virtually eliminated as the software-driven softkeys
> present selections of appropriate commands at each decision point. Commands
> are entered by a keystroke rather than by typing cryptic code words, letter
> by letter. New users of the 64000 Logic Development System become proficient
> quickly, and experienced users work more effectively."
>
> Regards,
> Chris
>
> Chris Burrows
> CFB Software
> http://www.cfbsoftware.com
>
>
>
>
>
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