Extensible Source Code Editor for Dynamic Language Suggestions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic programming languages pose challenges due to their execution-based nature, which leads to increased program execution overhead as type information is determined at runtime, and existing source code editors fail to provide source-specific and accurate suggestions, especially for dynamic languages lacking strong typing and access control features.
Innovation Solution
An extensible source code editor that utilizes user-provided extension code, written in the same or a different programming language, to customize completion list, completion hint, and function help information through an API, allowing filtering, modification, and addition of entries based on source code-specific logic, including runtime type and annotations, to provide domain-specific suggestions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic programming languages are used, then runtime flexibility and extensibility are improved, but program execution overhead increases due to runtime type determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing type information and access control annotations at compile time through source code comments, enabling the editor to generate accurate suggestions before runtime execution. This allows the system to prepare structural information in advance without requiring runtime type determination for editor functionality.
2Ease of operation
If existing source code editors are used, then basic editing functionality is provided, but source-specific and accurate suggestions are not provided for dynamic languages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling customization of editor suggestions specific to particular source code files through language-specific extension code. Each file can have its own annotations and extensions that provide localized, accurate suggestions tailored to the specific dynamic language being used, rather than using generic editor suggestions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of extension code that acts as a mediator between the source code annotations and the editor's suggestion generation. This extension code processes comments and annotations to transform them into accurate, source-specific suggestions, bridging the gap between basic editing functionality and precise language-aware suggestions.
3Measurement precision
If extension code is added to customize editor suggestions, then source-specific accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating editor customization into independent extension modules that can be added to specific source code files. Each extension handles a particular language or file type independently, allowing customization without requiring complete redesign of the entire editor system. This modular approach manages complexity by dividing the customization task into manageable segments.
Data Source
AI summary
An extensible editor for editing program source code can customize a default display provided by a language service in an IDE. The default display can be modified using source code-specific extension code. The extension code can be provided by a third party. The extension code can reside in the source code file to which it applies. The extension code can reside in a separate file from the file in which the source code resides. A naming convention can be used to enable the extensible editor to locate the extension code. Display entries can be filtered, added, removed, or modified using an API provided by the extensible editor. The API can allow the extension code to register for one or more events including but not limited to a completion hint event, a completion list event, and a function help event. User-provided extensions can be used to customize default display results.