GUI Programming Surface for Syntax Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programming languages require manual keying of lines and adherence to complex syntax, making it tiresome and requiring programmers to learn specific instruction sets, which can lead to syntax errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided method using graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allows users to create program code by selecting keywords from menus, replacing placeholders with executable program text, and categorizing instructions into 'query' and 'action' types, eliminating the need for manual syntax adherence and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If program instructions are manually keyed in using conventional programming languages, then the program can be created with full control over the code, but the operation becomes tiresome and requires learning complex syntax rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a menu system as an intermediary between the user and the programming language syntax. Instead of directly manipulating complex syntax rules, users interact with simplified menu options that automatically generate the corresponding program code. This mediator layer handles the syntax complexity while providing an easy-to-use interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates the framework of procedures including starting and ending lines based on user selections. The programming environment performs self-service by constructing the syntactically correct code structure without requiring the user to manually write or remember syntax rules, thereby eliminating syntax errors and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If a formal syntax is enforced to ensure correct program interpretation, then the system can correctly interpret program text, but programmers must learn and master the instruction set which increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining valid program structures and syntax templates. When users select options from menus, the system has already prepared the correct syntactic framework, ensuring that the generated code adheres to proper syntax rules without requiring users to learn or remember syntax requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu system acts as an intermediary that translates user-friendly selections into syntactically correct program code. This mediator ensures reliability by guaranteeing that only valid syntax is generated, while simultaneously improving ease of operation by hiding the complexity of syntax rules from the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If keywords are used as placeholders in program instructions, then the structure of the program can be defined easily, but all keywords must be replaced by executable program text to complete the instruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program creation process into distinct phases: first defining the program structure using placeholder keywords, then systematically replacing these keywords with executable code through menu selections. This segmentation allows users to focus on the logical structure first, then fill in the details, making program creation more manageable and less error-prone.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a programming surface for imperative, procedural languages. A further prerequisite is a graphical user interface (GUI). The programming surface for the input of program code can be used with known programming languages such as Visual Basic, Java, C++. In the case of the programming surface, there is no longer a need to key in the program instructions. A language syntax need not be observed. An instruction set need not be learned.