Clipboard

Where the IDE can remember the last number of items copied. Programmers can rotate through the list of copied items and choose one to paste into the current file.

Code Outlining

Programmers can collapse/expand selected regions of code under their first lines. This means that long programs can be viewed in small logical sections.

Code suggestion IntelliSense

As you enter a function or statement in the Code Editor, its complete syntax and arguments are shown in a ToolTip. When items are needed to complete a statement, IntelliSense provides popup insertion lists of available functions, statements, constants, or values to choose from. This is known as IntelliSense in Microsoft Visual Studio.

Line Numbering

Line numbers help programmers to distinguish between lines in lengthy coding sections. 

Syntax error assistance

As code is entered, the Code Editor will place ‘wavy lines’ beneath code that is incorrect or could cause a problem.

Many IDEs, such as Microsoft Visual Studio provide colour coded error listings. For example, the Error List displays coding problems marked with ‘wavy lines’. Programmers can click on any Error List entry to jump to the code where the problem occurs. 

• Red lines mark syntax errors, these lines disappear as soon as the marked code is corrected in the Code Editor. 

• Blue lines mark semantic errors detected by the compiler, such as a mistyped class name not found in the current context. These disappear after the marked code is corrected and then recompiled. 

• Green lines mark warnings. Programmers can review these messages to see if the code needs to be modified.

Compiler

The process of compiling ultimately produces an executable (.exe) file. (In some languages there may be intermediary translation processes). The code written by the programmer is compiled with any additional libraries to create a machine code version of the  program. This can then be executed by the processor. Compiling is the core translation process. A program cannot be successfully compiled unless it is error free. 

Graphical User Interface (GUI) builder with an associated toolbox of controls

The GUI builder allows a programmer to create windows applications by positioning controls on screen. Controls such as textboxes, combo-boxes and radio buttons can be added to forms by dragging them from a toolbox. There are usually two views: a graphical design view and a code view. Design view allows programmers to specify the location of controls and other items on the user interface.

Solution Explorer

This is a graphical representation of the entire solution. The window displays solutions, their projects, and the items in those projects. Usually, files can be opened for editing, new files can be added and item properties can be viewed. 

Debugging and break points 

Programs can contain logic problems which become apparent at run-time. This is where the code, although syntactically correct, is not providing the correct results. The debugger can be used to help detect and correct such problems. Programmers can set breakpoints where the program will stop during execution and allow the programmer to examine the value of different variables.

[CCEA Fact File]