Full-screen Editor Research Articles

Righting software

What tools do we use to develop and debug software? Most of us rely on a full-screen editor to write code, a compiler to translate it, a source-level debugger to correct it, and a source-code control system to archive and share it. These tools originated in the 1970s, when the change from batch to interactive programming stimulated the development of innovative languages, tools, environments, and other utilities we take for granted. Microsoft Research has developed two generations of tools, some of which Microsoft developers already use to find and correct bugs. These correctness tools can improve software development by systematically detecting programming errors.

Cost-effective compliance with life safety codes

ALARM is personal computer software that helps building managers and fire safety engineers achieve cost-effective compliance with the widely used NFPA 101,Life Safety Code ®. The software currently supports health-care occupancy analysis. Through the equivalency provision of the code,ALARM implements a goal-oriented, or performance-based, approach to code compliance. The software generates a set of alternative code compliance strategies and their estimated construction costs. Engineering judgment is then applied to select the most appropriate code compliance strategy based on both cost and design considerations. The software offers a code-compliance optimizer, a comprehensive file manager, and a full-screen data editor. Since 1981, the optimization method used inALARM has been field-tested in 89 hospitals (17,898 beds). For this sample, the least-cost solution identified by the software was, on average, 41 percent less expensive than the prescriptive solution. This represents a potential cost savings of $2,116 per bed or more than $37 million. Future versions ofALARM could address other building occupancies.

Kibitz—connecting multiple interactive programs together

AbstractExpect is a programming language for automating interactive programs. Recently, people have begun using Expect to connect multiple interactive programs together, allowing for new classes of applications. With some basic building blocks and a little scripting, it is possible to build such applications quickly.This paper discusses the general technique, while focusing on a particular example: Kibitz. Kibitz connects multiple sessions and applications together, providing a means for consulting, group editing, or other cooperative tasks. Kibitz in turn, can be used as a module in building additional programs of this type. Using Kibitz, we demonstrate how to enable cron or background processes to call upon and interact with users, e.g. for guidance or debugging.Owing to program reuse, our approach avoids many portability issues already addressed and solved by existing programs. Kibitz has no special coding for byte swapping, structure encoding, or job control, and requires neither kernel modifications nor setuid or other permissions even though it runs over a network and deals with multiple users, job control, and sophisticated programs such as shells and fullscreen editors.

LP modeling languages for personal computers: A comparison

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the modeling capabilities of seven algebraic modeling languages (ML) available today, namely, AMPL, GAMS, LINGO, LPL, MPL, PC-PROG and XPRESS-LP. In general, these MLs do an excellent job of providing an interface with which the modeler can specify an algebraically formatted linear program (LP). That is, each ML provides a substantial improvement in time and convenience over the matrix generator/report writers of the last few decades. Further, each of the MLs provides: (1) significant flexibility in model specification, instantiation and modification, (2) effective and efficient conversion from algebraic to solver format, and (3) an understandable and, for the most part, self-documenting model representation. In addition, each of the MLs is constantly being updated and upgraded to provide additional capabilities sought by practitioners and users. However, as shown in the fifteen tables provided in the body of this paper, each ML has its own set of competitive advantages. For example, the most integrated environments (i.e. those integrating the modeling language with a full-screen editor, data import capabilities and a solver) are provided by LINGO and PC-PROG. The most user-friendly interfaces are provided by MPL and PC-PROG, both of which provide window-based interfaces to create models and pop-up windows to display error messages; MPL also uses pull-down menus to specify various operations, whereas PC-PROG uses function keys for operational control. Package costs are led by a current (March, 1991) introductory offer from LINGO. Modeling effectiveness, especially with respect to flexibility in specifying arithmetic statements, is led by GAMS and LPL. Model compactness, as measured by the number of lines required to specify a model, is led by AMPL, LPL, MPL and PC-PROG; LPL, MPL and PC-PROG also provide context sensitive editors which automatically position the cursor where the error was detected. And finally, the most comprehensive user documentation is provided by GAMS, whereas GAMS, LINGO and LPL provide extensive libraries of sample models for those users who “learn by example”.

The use of enhanced operator-machine interfaces in computer aided molecular design

Methods for the generation of redundant Connection Tables from verbal (IUPAC Based) or graphical inputs are presented. These features were combined with fast vector graphic routines to a molecular modelling program executable on microcomputers. The three-dimensional structure is calculated with standardized data and maybe refined with a fullscreen editor. Additionally, an algorithm for the ring closure problem based on principle of genetic (evolutionary) optimization is included. A programming language has been defined enabling the user to build his own applications to the program, e.g. transferring input or output data directly to other programs. As an example, a program for the calculation of partial charges on the basis of electronegativity equalization is given in the Appendix.

Technical support program for APL related question

A technical support program was created to assist Data Processing Support Personnel at the Travelers Insurance Co. in answering employees' commonly asked questions about APL. The Travelers Data Processing (DP) Department, in previous years, maintained a single centralized “help” number in Computer Science that employees could use to ask questions related to computers or computing. In order to foster a closer working relationship between employees in the different business areas and their local DP Support staff, the central number was eliminated and people were directed to their local DP Support. Questions about the more commonly used languages in Data Processing, such as COBOL, are more easily redirected to the local DP Support staff than are questions about the more uncommon languages such as APL. Many of the APL questions asked of the help line were in reference to the particulars of using APL in the Travelers environment. The solutions to these types of questions are not easily found in the reference manuals, are not centrally documented, and are frequently passed by word of mouth. Some of the more common APL questions that came to the help line include: How do you get APL characters with 3270 emulation? What's the best way to get a print of a workspace? How do I use the full screen editors? How do I run APL in batch? How do I move a variable from host APL to LOTUS? Is there any way to make my function run faster? APL is such a versatile language that there are usually several ways to perform these and most other tasks. The quality of the solution given for the question at hand can range from slow and cumbersome to quick and easy. Most of the DP Support staff have limited exposure to APL, so when they search for a solution to a problem they might take a painful route and end up cursing APL when it doesn't work efficiently. To help the DP Support areas quickly and effectively answer these types of questions, and to have a common source of the most up to date information on The Traveler's APL environment and utilities, a diagnostic tool was written using the Socrates * Knowledge-Base Management System software. The software is an indexed decision tree that guides users by menu picks to an easy-to-read solution to their problem. It is compatible with commonly used terminal emulation programs, so that the user can toggle back and forth from a host session to try out suggested solutions. It is also compatible with the commonly used software generated APL characters (e.g. STSC's ECDCHAR.COM), so that APL characters can be used in the solution files. An index file is created for the entire set of text in the support software so that the user can quickly jump to one of the references of a requested text string. The index was built without reference to common words (like some, the, and, of etc.) to make the it as efficient as possible. Calls to the help line were tracked for several months to insure that the answers to commonly asked questions were covered. The application was structured so that the more basic the question, the more basic the solution. For example, the solution file to what a VALUE ERROR means assumed a lower level of APL skill than the description of what a return code of 445 from Auxiliary Processor 210 means.

Automating physical system modelling using bond graphs

A designer can use a mathematical model of a physical system to study its dynamic performance. The goal of the Design Analysis for Reliability Tool (DART) project at the IBM Thomas J Watson Research Center was to automate some of the steps of building mathematical models. The bond-graph method was used to represent a physical system as a lumped parameter model. The DART program accepts a bond graph entered through a graphic editor. State equations are automatically derived from the bond graph. Specific constitutive laws for the general relationships represented by the bond-graph nodes are entered through a full-screen editor. The equations are solved using the Dynamic Simulation Language (DSL).

A Comparative Study of Text-Editing Programs among a Sample of Older Adults

Research indicates that older adults have difficulty acquiring text-editing skills. The data suggest that the cognitive demands associated with text-editing programs create problems for older learners given the age-related changes in cognitive abilities. This study compared the learning efficiency of older adults for three text-editing programs which varied in format and command structure. A total of 45, computer naive, women ranging in age from 40 to 70 years participated. The results indicated significant differences in learning efficiency as a function of text-editing program. Participants using a full screen editor with pull down menus demonstrated significantly better performance than did those using other programs. Data was also collected regarding types of difficulties encountered by subjects during learning. This type of information can be used as input into the design of future software and training programs.

A computer graphics course

A computer graphics course is presented that was introduced at the honours level at Rhodes University in 1988. In the past, a course in graphics has not been included in either the undergraduate or post-graduate curriculum. However, with the increased emphasis on the "visual" aspects of computing (full-screen editors combining text and images, windowing, graphical languages, CAD), it was thought appropriate to enhance the honours curriculum. This paper discusses the course structure, possible texts, supporting hardware and experience gained.

DNAid: a Macintosh full screen editor featuring a built-in regular expression interpreter for the search of specific patterns in biological sequences using finite state automata.

DNAid is a full screen and multi-window sequence editor designed as an aid for the easy manipulation of DNA and protein sequences on Macintosh computers. In addition to the classical editing capabilities, powerful analysis and search functions are available from within the editor. Restriction mapping, translation and alignment of homologous sequences are supported by DNAid, furthermore a pattern matching language is included which allows searches for user-defined strict or fuzzy signals within biological sequences. Patterns are translated into finite state automata which allow very efficient searches.

GENPLOT: A formula-based Pascal program for data manipulation and plotting

Geochemical processes involving alteration, differentiation, fractionation, or migration of elements may be elucidated by a number of discrimination or variation diagrams (e.g., AFM, Harker, Pearce, and many others). The construction of these diagrams involves arithmetic combination of selective elements (involving major, minor, or trace elements). GENPLOT utilizes a formula-based algorithm (an expression parser) which enables the program to manipulate multiparameter databases and plot XY, ternary, tetrahedron, and REE type plots without needing to change either the source code or rearranging databases. Formulae may be any quadratic expression whose variables are the column headings of the data matrix. A full-screen editor with limited equations and arithmetic functions (spreadsheet) has been incorporated into the program to aid data entry and editing. Data are stored as ASCII files to facilitate interchange of data between other programs and computers. GENPLOT was developed in Turbo Pascal for the IBM and compatible computers but also is available in Apple Pascal for the Apple Ile and Ill. Because the source code is too extensive to list here (about 5200 lines of Pascal code), the expression parsing routine, which is central to GENPLOT's flexibility is incorporated into a smaller demonstration program named SOLVE. The following paper includes a discussion on how the expression parser works and a detailed description of GENPLOT's capabilities.

An eductive interpreter for the language Lucid

We describe an interpreter for pLucid, a member of the Lucid family of functional dataflow languages. In appearance, pLucid is similar to Landin's Iswim, exept that individual variables and expressions denote streams (infinite sequences of data items), and function variables denote filters (stream-to-stream transformations). The actual data objects in pLucid (the components of streams) are those of POP2: numbers, strings, words, and lists. The 'inner syntax' (infix operations, conventions for denoting constants) are those of POP2 as well.The interpreter (which was written in C) is eductive: it uses a tagged demand-driven scheme. Demands for values in the output stream generate demands for values of other variables internal to the program. These demands, and the values returned in response, are tagged according to "time" (sequence index) and place (node in the tree of function calls). Once computed, values are stored in an associative memory (the "warehouse") in case they are demanded again later in the computation. The warehouse is periodically cleaned out using a heuristic called the "retirement plan". The heuristic is not perfect, but does not have to be: in an eductive computation, the program is not altered as in reduction. If discarded values are needed again, they can be recomputed.The pLucid interpreter performs extensive runtime checks and error messages quote the source line containing the offended operator. A special end-of-data object permits a very simple treatment of finite (terminating) input and output. Of special interest is its interface to UNIX, which allows any system command to be used as a filter inside a pLucid program.The interpreter performs well enough for nontrivial programs to be developed and tested. These include (simple versions of) a text formatter, a distributed airline reservation system, and a full screen editor.

HOMED: a homologous sequence editor.

The alignment of homologous sequences with each other and their display has proved a difficult task, despite a frequent requirement for this process. HOMED enables related sequences to be edited and listed in parallel with each other. The editor function uses a full screen editor which emulates the text editors KED and EDT (on PDP-11 and VAX-11 respectively) and which can be adapted to emulate other text editors. This emulation has been adopted to simplify user learning of editing functions. HOMED provides functions for listing the sequences in a variety of formats and for generating a consensus sequence as well as providing a series of tools for maintenance of the sequence database. HOMED has been implemented in Pascal in a modular fashion to enhance portability.

Using wordprocessing to teach EFL composition

Until recently most software interested scientists more than humanists. It processed numerical data in batches. The users had to wait hours for results. The arrival of microcomputers and affordable terminals popularized interactive writing on computers. Full-screen editors appeared for microcomputers and soon afterward the mainframe computers. Their search and replace functions offered writers two powerful tools. Recent editors can split the terminal screen into several independent screens called windows. IBM's “EDITING IN THE ROUND” allows users to switch entire screens in and out to view, edit, or move text. Ancillary writing software can check spelling and simple grammar. Spelling checkers are a boon in teaching English composition to foreign students. Apart from Bell Laboratories “WRITERS' WORKBENCH”, not many grammar checking programs exist for mainframes. However, using the search and replace functions, mainframe users can create some grammar and style exercises. Electronic mail facilities can help foreign students to communicate in written English. They show the students the true purpose in writing—to communicate. Since most students enjoy chatting on the computer, this is a pleasant way to make them communicate in another writing system. Using all of the software available on the mainframe computer, foreign students should be able to write and revise much more than by traditional methods. The best way to learn how to write is to write and write and write.

The PSG system: from formal language definitions to interactive programming environments

The PSG programming system generator developed at the Technical University of Darmstadt produces interactive, language-specific programming environments from formal language definitions. All language-dependent parts of the environment are generated from an entirely nonprocedural specification of the language's syntax, context conditions, and dynamic semantics. The generated environment consists of a language-based editor, supporting systematic program development by named program fragments, an interpreter, and a fragment library system. The major component of the environment is a full-screen editor, which allows both structure and text editing. In structure mode the editor guarantees prevention of both syntactic and semantic errors, whereas in textual mode it guarantees their immediate recognition. PSG editors employ a novel algorithm for incremental semantic analysis which is based on unification. The algorithm will immediately detect semantic errors even in incomplete program fragments. The dynamic semantics of the language are defined in denotational style using a functional language based on the lambda calculus. Program fragments are compiled to terms of the functional language which are executed by an interpreter. The PSG generator has been used to produce environments for Pascal, ALGOL 60, MODULA-2, and the formal language definition language itself.

Software Reviews : Stat 1

STAT 1 is a menu-driven statistical package that contains excellent data management software including a full-screen editor for entering data, documentation about data, or detailed labels for variables or values. The package allows for extensive data manipulations, and includes descriptive statistics, histograms, scatter-grams, contingency table analysis, parametric and non-parametric difference in means testing, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, and smallest space analysis, a form of multidimensional scaling.

The synthesizer generator

Programs are hierarchical compositions of formulae satisfying structural and extra-structural relationships. A program editor can use knowledge of such relationships to detect and provide immediate feedback about violations of them. The Synthesizer Generator is a tool for creating such editors from language descriptions. An editor designer specifies the desired relationships and the feedback to be given when they are violated, as well as a user interface; from the specification, the Synthesizer Generator creates a full-screen editor for manipulating programs in the language.

The synthesizer generator

Programs are hierarchical compositions of formulae satisfying structural and extra-structural relationships. A program editor can use knowledge of such relationships to detect and provide immediate feedback about violations of them. The Synthesizer Generator is a tool for creating such editors from language descriptions. An editor designer specifies the desired relationships and the feedback to be given when they are violated, as well as a user interface; from the specification, the Synthesizer Generator creates a full-screen editor for manipulating programs in the language.

An easily built APL editor

A full-screen editor has been built as an APL program employing a full-screen auxiliary processor, requiring no modification of the APL system. It is designed to be easy to construct and use on any system with such capabilities.The user is provided with a comprehensive set of editing functions as well as several features specific to editing APL functions. The editor is capable of editing any APL function or rank-2 variable in the workspace. Facilities are provided to allow the user easily to extend the capabilities of the editor.

Thecis the Clinical Information System

Recent improvements in the SAS® software package have made it possible for us to develop a total SAS system for processing data from clinical trials. System features include: a program code builder, computer assisted data editing, an interactive full screen editor, automatic tape backups, and a dated database which easily can be restored to any previous date. The system uses SAS databases for both storing data and controlling the system. The control database contains the necessary information for creating the other databases—data set names, variable names, location on the case report form (CRF), and formats for both input and output. This database requires updating each time a new case report form is designed. Clinical trial data are stored at two levels. The first protocol database is organized similar to the CRFs in order to facilitate data editing and coding. The drug level database combines data over protocols and is structured to allow efficient generation of display tables and statistical analyses. ...