SpotCheck is a Macintosh language-based editor, or structure editor, that "knows" the Java language. It is designed to help a Java programmer produce correct code, without relying on confusing and untimely feedback from a compiler. Specifically, SpotCheck identifies syntax errors and semantic errors (undefined names, type mismatches, etc.) -- those errors normally returned by a compiler. This analysis is performed after each edit, giving the programmer immediate feedback on errors. By separating error checking from code generation in this way, and making the process interactive, SpotCheck helps a programmer maintain a train of thought like never before.

SpotCheck also has features that help the user learn Java, or use unfamiliar parts of the language. Popup menus show exactly what is syntactically possible at each juncture, allowing the user to choose from those options. Or, if the user wishes to type in the Java code textually, SpotCheck's incremental parser provides quick feedback about syntax errors.

Here are some examples showing how SpotCheck checks your errors:

• syntax checking
• undeclared names
• type conflicts
• overloading resolution
• access control violations

Our intention is that, eventually, SpotCheck will be checking all of the compile-time constraints mandated by the Java Language Specification. This will mean that if your SpotCheck project contains no "spots" indicating errors, the project will compile without errors. At present, SpotCheck implements those constraint checks that represent roughly 90% of the errors made by the typical developer, and the list grows with every release.

SpotCheck provides a host of additional features. Here is a sampling of some of the most important:

• smart links to name declarations
• cross-referenced Java APIs
• popup menus
• interfaces to helper apps to compile & run
• hierarchical project browsing
• color-coded syntax

Platform Requirements

At present, SpotCheck runs only on the MacOS platform, with both native PowerPC and 68K versions available. A Java-hosted version is in the works, with Windows 95/NT being the target platform that will receive attention first. This work is in the early stages of development, and we cannot yet commit to a release date.

SpotCheck requires at least System 7.0, and is compatible with all later OS versions, including MacOS 8. The PowerPC version requires a minimum of 5M of RAM, while the 68K version requires a minimum of 3M.