Editable Data Tooltips for Debugging Variable Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debugging systems require cumbersome processes for modifying variable values, involving multiple GUI elements and windows, making it time-consuming and tedious to edit variables during program debugging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing editable data tooltips that allow users to view and edit variable values directly within a tooltip, enabling selection, modification, and format specification without leaving the debugging environment, using context-sensitive controls and user-friendly input methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional variable editing is used through separate windows and dialog boxes, then the debugging environment provides comprehensive control over variable values, but the process becomes convoluted and time-consuming requiring multiple GUI elements and selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the variable editing functionality directly into the tooltip display window. Instead of requiring users to switch between separate tooltip windows and dedicated edit dialog boxes, the edit controls are integrated within the tooltip itself, allowing users to modify variable values directly where they are displayed. This consolidation reduces the number of GUI elements and steps required for variable editing during debugging.
2Productivity
If traditional variable editing through separate pop-up windows is used, then detailed editing controls are provided, but the process becomes tedious when modifying multiple variables during complex debugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the editing interface in advance by pre-configuring the tooltip to include editable controls for variable values. When a variable is displayed in the tooltip, the edit controls are already ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to open separate dialog boxes and reducing the time required to modify multiple variables during debugging sessions.
3Ease of operation
If tooltips are made editable with integrated controls, then variable editing becomes immediate and straightforward, but the tooltip functionality becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tooltip multi-functional by enabling it to both display variable information and provide editing controls within the same window. The tooltip serves dual purposes: displaying the current variable value and providing immediate access to edit controls for modifying that value. This universal design allows a single interface element to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated editing windows while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for debugging a program. A graphical user interface (GUI) displays source code for the program in a first GUI element, and first user input is received to the first GUI element indicating an expression, e.g., including one or more one or more variables, constants, macros, and/or operators, in the source code. A value of the expression is displayed in a tooltip in response to the first user input. Second user input is received to the tooltip modifying the value, thereby specifying a new value, and the expression in the program is set to the new value. The program continues execution in accordance with the new value of the expression. The tooltip includes a first portion, e.g., context sensitive control, displaying the value and to receive the second user input modifying the value, and a second portion, e.g., text indicator, displaying non-editable information related to the expression.