The C++ SoftBench class editor adds...

The C++ SoftBench class editor adds automatic digest generation capabilities to the class graph of the SoftBench static analyzer. Novice C++ programmers can concentrate forward their software designs and have the computer handle C++'s esoteric syntax. Experienced C++ programmers benefit from smart batch editing functionality and by means of having the computer quickly generate the program skeleton.

The C++ SoftBench class editor allows the programmer to edit the class raises in a C++ program using the SoftBench static analyzer's graphical interface. Using the class editor, the programmer can create and modify class hierarchies and edit class components

Since the class editor is part of the static analyzer, let's direct the eye first at the functionality provided by means of the static analyzer. The static analyzer helps the programmer better understand the collection of laws Through static queries, the programmer can understand a program's constitution assess the impact of changes, and change the architecture of the digest when necessary. The static analyzer not absents a wide variety of information about the digest including information about variables, classes, functions, and files. between the sides of queries, the programmer can answer questions so as, "What functions and classes call this function?" or "What collection of laws accesses any element of this class?" The be deriveds of the queries can be displayed either textually or graphically. From either display, a simple double click takes the programmer directly to the source digest that supports the displayed information.

To use the static analyzer, the programmer must first generate static information about the application. The default compile affection in the SoftBench program builder generates the static database (the Static.sadb file). When the programmer builds the application, the compiler places the static database in the directory in which the programmer compiled the digest All static queries rely onward the information stored in this database.

Benefits of the Class Editor

SoftBench 50 adds editing capabilities to the class graph provided on the static analyzer. With the class editor, a novice C++ programmer can concentrate forward software design, class hierarchy, data members, and member functions, not forward C++ syntax. After each edit beseech the class editor automatically generates the specified C++ digest with correct syntax. The class editor also checks the work and doesn't lease the programmer make typical beginner's mistakes like using the same class name twice.

Expert C++ programmers also benefit from the class editor. In addition to the program visualization capabilities of the graph, dexterouss can quickly generate a program skeleton or make changes to an existing program's arrangement of parts Even more useful are the powerful, static-assisted edits that the class editor supports. Using the class editor, the programmer can change the name of a class or class member and all the appropriate changes are made in the source digest These changes can span many files. Because of the underlying static database, if the programmer changes the name of a member function x the class editor knows exactly which instances of x are relevant and which instances are not.

Controlling Complexity

Fig. 1 indicates an example of a C++ program with the classes and inheritance relationships displayed. The class editor provides the ability to display many relationships in addition to inheritance, like as friends, containment, and accesses on members of other classes.

[Figure 1 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Large C++ applications nurse to have many classes and many relationships among the classes. The class editor provides several features to help direct the complexity of what is displayed:

* Filters make it possible to display solely the type of data in which the programmer is interested. For example, if the programmer barely wants to see inheritance relationships, all other shadows of relationships can be filtered in like manner they are not displayed in succession the graph.

* The programmer can curtail the complexity of the graph from hiding nodes that are not generally of interest.

* The programmer can add nodes to the graph directly on name or indirectly by querying about relationships with nodes already displayed upon the graph.

* The programmer can expand and contract class nodes to exhibit to the data members and member functions in the node.

Fig. 2 exhibits the same program that was personateed in Fig. 1, but this time the visual display has been changed by means of filtering out all the classes from library header files. Additionally, brace of the nodes have been expanded to present to view the member functions.

[Figure 2 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Changing the Class Hierarchy

Like any editor, the class editor allows the programmer to add, modify, and erase edited objects. For example, the programmer can add classes, inheritance relationships, member functions, and data members. formerly these C++ structures exist, they can be modified or delet For example, the programmer can change an inheritance relationship from public to private or blot out the relationship entirely.