jgrasp handbook

DRAFT, February 18, 2003, Page 3
space that is normally taken by indentation in source code, is an alternative to flow charts and other
graphical representations of algorithms. The CSD is a natural extension to architectural diagrams such
as data flow diagrams, call graphs, module diagrams, and class/object diagrams. Of course, using the
CSD is optional, and after generating the CSD, it can be removed with a single click, leaving the source
code formatted in the traditional way.
Editing Features. The CSD Window, which serves as the source code editor, has some unique and
powerful editing features. As the source code is edited, the CSD may be regenerated as desired.
Regenerating a CSD is fast and non-disruptive (approximately 5,000 lines/sec). The source code can be
folded based on CSD structure. A structure (method, loop, if statement, etc.) can be folded recursively
with a double click of the mouse, then unfolded level-by-level as shown in Figure 3. Folding can be a
very useful mechanism when explaining a program, whether to one’s self, to a group of students, or to
colleagues during a technical code review. Standard features for program editors such as syntax based
coloring and find-and-replace are provided, as well as menus and icons for compile, run, and debug.
Figure 3. Source code folding