Editing a large source file for any computer language is cumbersome, to say the least. For many years we have had a dream about a nice development environment for IF languages, as there have come to evolve for general computer languges. Recently, there has emerged a possibility to do this in a way which require only a fraction of the work previously required.
So without further ado, here is AlanIDE:
- Syntactic highlighting with keyword recognition
- Instant compilation
- Error indications directly in the source
- Outline view
AlanIDE is currently in an experimental stage, but works and might actually be useful. Future plans include source formatting, debugging support, graphical editing of the map, class navigation, typing completion, wizards for creating new classes, include files, refactorings for Alan source such as renaming of identifers, introducing classes in the hierarchy, lifting and lowering of attributes, ....
Well, for now Alan IDE is at version 0.0.8. You can take a look at some inspiring live demonstrations. Following the hints in the installation demo you should be able to get it up and running on your own computer. A fairly modern setup is required.
Changes in 0.0.8
- Added a crude "Correct Indentation" on the editor pop-up menue
- Fixed a problem with white space in path to compiler
- Fixed a problem with backslashes in import/include paths which would break outline view
- Minimized the number of menues and functions
- Repackaged on top of Eclipse 3.4.1
Updating
Although the Eclipse platform provides a framework for internet-based updating this has yet to be taken advantage of in AlanIDE. So you will have to download a new version from below and unzip that as per the install instructions.
NOTE that the sources that you have been creating might be stored in the workspace within the AlanIDE directory tree, so don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Ensure that you save the workspace and copy it into the new AlanIDE directory. You can find where your sources are by right-clicking on the project in the navigator and selecting "Properties".
How to install
AlanIDE is based on the Java-based platform Eclipse. You will need a Java runtime to run AlanIDE. You can visit http://java.com/download to download one if you don't have one yet. A binary distribution of JRE 1.5 (5.0) or greater will work.
Download the zip in the list below and unpack it to a suitable location. Add a shortcut from your desktop, configure AlanIDE to know where your Alan compiler is located and you are set to go.
NOTE! You should set up AlanIDE to use the command line version of the compiler. This installation is available for multiple platforms, even more than Alan V3 is currently available for ;-)
Once you have downloaded and unpacked the Eclipse distribution and possibly added a shortcut to the eclipse program to your desktop or favorite programs, you can start it and follow the instructions in the installation video.
AlanIDE demonstration
The demos are produced with Wink
