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.
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.