A Knowledgeable, Language-Independent System for Program Construction and Modification
Abstract
The need of a language-independent programming environment with knowledgeable facilities is explicated. Then the design of a language- independent system for 'intelligent' creation and modification of programs as an example of such a facility. This system, called the Program Constructor and Modifier, is a two-stage process. In the first stage, an 'expert' creates a description of a programming language in a high-level formalism. This description is used in conjunction with the underlying model of programming languages to drive the second stage, in which the general user creates and modifies programs written in the particular programming language. This model will guarantee that throughout the interaction the program is syntactically error-free and -- as far as possible without executing the program -- will guarantee certain semantic consistencies. All methods associated with this model are oriented towards error prevention while still allowing the user 'free-form' program input. These methods will also automatically correct certain classes of errors such as misspelled words and omitted terminal symbols of certain types and will interact with the user to gain information when there is insufficient knowledge for automatic correction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019334
Entities
People
- Martin D. Yonke
Organizations
- University of Southern California