Re: error reporting, was Language used to write compilers

Yes, the gcc example is exactly what I was thinking of (and I think
gcc is the compiler which motivated my own thoughts along that line).
there are several examples where gcc tell you that x conflicts with y,
pointing where both location are.


The gcc compiler solution is to use two back-to-back error messages.
We use the same technique in the Verilog compiler I mentioned before.
For some errors like cycles of gates withot a state element, the list
of related errors can get arbitrarily long. Not necessarily the best
solution, although better than not having the information.


We also have a built-in debugger of the compiler's internal database
that developers can inspect and traverse to track down hard to
diagnose errors. However, that's hardly a good general solution.
Still, some kind of sanitized debugger of the compiler's information
would often be a better solution to finding certain problems.


Hope this helps,
-Chris


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Chris Clark Internet : compres@world.std.com
Compiler Resources, Inc. Web Site : http://world.std.com/~compres
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