US 7,322,023 B2
Computer programming language statement building and information tool with non obstructing passive assist window
Matthew Shulman, Bellevue, Wash. (US); Matthew James Curland, Redmond, Wash. (US); Martin Cibulka, Redmond, Wash. (US); and David Anthony Sobeski, Redmond, Wash. (US)
Assigned to Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash. (US)
Filed on Oct. 03, 2001, as Appl. No. 9/970,409.
Application 09/970409 is a continuation of application No. 09/391057, filed on Sep. 07, 1999, granted, now 6,311,323.
Application 09/391057 is a continuation of application No. 08/863822, filed on May 27, 1997, granted, now 6,026,233, filed on Feb. 15, 2000.
Prior Publication US 2002/0095658 A1, Jul. 18, 2002
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G06F 9/44 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 717—112  [717/100; 717/143; 715/711; 715/705] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions to perform a method for assisting a computer programmer in real-time to modify a present programming language statement of a computer program, the method compnsmg:
enabling a programming language editor having a character position cursor and a randomly positionable pointer;
partially compiling available ones of a plurality of programming language statements in said computer program;
defining a finite set of programming language statement information that is relevant to at least one segment of the present programming language statement from among said plurality of programming language statements that is proximate to said character position which allows modification of the programming language statement; and
automatically generating a passive assist window that contains said finite set of programming language statement information in a location proximate to said character position cursor that does not obstruct the current view of said programming language statement.