The ABL Editor offers several forms of assistance to facilitate writing ABL code.
Assistance options are grouped into two categories: context assistance and
code-completion assistance.
Context assistance includes the following options:
- Help as you type -When you type a keyword followed by a space, a pop-up
window shows syntax that is valid to complete the line you are typing.
- Bracket-matching - A marker indicates the paired element, such as a
bracket or a keyword that begins or ends a code block, corresponding to the
element at the current cursor position.
- Hover help - When you stop the cursor over an ABL statement, a database
field reference, or a system handle, a pop-up window shows relevant syntax
help.
Code completion assistance reduces errors and saves typing by automatically entering
text. It includes the following options:
- Syntax completion - When you press CTRL+SPACE, the ABL Editor shows a
list of syntax elements that are valid for the context. You can select a
proposal from the list to enter it automatically.
- Auto-bracketing - When you type the first of two paired elements, such as
an opening parenthesis or bracket, the corresponding closing element is
automatically entered.
- Preprocessor proposals - Displays proposals for built-in or defined
preprocessors. The value of the preprocessors at the selected offset is used to
evaluate the proposals.
You set your preferences for these assistance options at the Editor
Preferences page.