Programming, in any language, can lead to a large number of text files containing source code. The bigger the project, the more files are usually involved, and keeping track of which file contains what can be a nightmare. So what is there that can help...?

Designed purely for use on the latest version of AmigaOS, CodeBench is a management system that is modular to allow adaptation to various programming languages.

Utilising a "project" based system, all files are grouped together by type and are easily accessible from the Project Window. Editing is a simple matter of selecting the required file and it is opened in the built-in editor. Creating the finished article from the project is a one click event from the toolbar.

The Detailed View section gives a much more in-depth explanation of all the various parts and windows, but as an overview, listed below is a basic description of the more important features of CodeBench.

• Button driven Toolbar
  Easy access to all the popular functions in one toolbar (Open, Save, Build etc) are all just a button click away.
  
  

• Drag'n'Drop
  Easy project and file loading by dropping icons on various parts of the interface. Both project and file icons can be dropped allowing context sensitive adaptation. The list of project files can be easily organized by dragging items around in the list, and dragging files into the editor window.
  
  

• Integrated Project window
  Lists all the files currently part of the project, and allows simple double click interface for editing project files. All categories allow the changing of the order of the files within it maing it easier to locate the file you want. You can also add subcategories to the project list and move files into them to better organise your projects.
  
  

• Automatic build script generation
  Project dependent script creation based on all relevant files in the project at the time. This can be turned off if you have existing scripts. The ability to also track when these scripts are stale and need to be rewritten is also available. If a script is required, it is generated depending on the type of project being worked on. Non-compiled languages will simply execute what you specify in the Project settings. Automatic dependency tracking is applied to the build script, so any part of the current project will be rebuilt if other files have changed which it needs. This feature may not be available depending on the type of the current project.
  
  

• Support for multiple Targets
  Depending on the project being worked on, it may be possible to specify multiple targets within the same project. This saves having a separate project for each target.
  
  

• Fully integrated editor
  Tabbed editor allowing multiple files to be open at any one time. Syntax highlighting, code "folding", and all the usual functions are included: Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Find, Replace, Indent etc. Blocks of pre-built code can also be inserted as well as handling highlighted blocks. Also supports colour "themes" for familiarity.
  
  

• Integrated Clip Manager
  Optional window showing a history of clipped text sections, with easy double-click pasting at cursor position.
  
  

• "Quick-Link" window
  Optional window allowing self-discovery of procedures, bookmarks and other project specific objects in a source file to be shown. Jumping to a function in a file is just a click away. Live update shows which function the cursor is currently inside. Also supports definable bookmarks embedded in the source for one click jumping to any desired point in the file. Can also be used for AutoDocs and AmigaGuide files to highlight their sections.
  
  

• Integrated Build window
  Shows output and errors from the build process, and allows clicking on errors to be taken to that point in the source. Also includes extra buttons for quick access to build functions.
  
  

• Asynchronous build process
  Allows continued working while building the project is in progress.
  
  

• Comprehensive Asynchronous Search
  The Search facility allows full project wide searches with optional replace allowing freedom from external search methods. The search system will continue while you are working, and will adapt its search scope depending on which window it was started from.
  
  

• Spell checking of documents
  Allows you to spell check documents using freely available wordlists from the internet. You can download and use wordlists in any language you want, with English being the default.
  
  

• Programmable keyboard Macros
  CodeBench allows the user full flexiblity when it comes to creating sequences of keypresses and navigation commands, and stores them as Macros for repeated use.
  
  

• Code Constructs
  User configurable blocks of source code called "Constructs" can be inserted into the current text using the projects specific indentation rules to save typing and errors.
  
  

• Recent Lists
  Lists of the most recently opened projects and files are maintained for ease of use. Simply select an item from the project list and have it open as it was when closed, or choose a recent file to reopen it.
  
  

• User menus
  Allows definable menus, keyboard shortcuts and set the function. (Currently not supported)
  
  

• Customizable display
  Specify a screen mode and font to use from the program preferences editor.
  
  

• Locale friendly
  Fully localised allowing support for native language (pending release of locale files). British-English is built in.
  
  

• Dedicated scratchpad
  Support for a scratchpad, called "Project Notes", is built in, allowing fast editing and a convenient place for notes, "todo"s and bug reports.
  
  

• Project Job Sheets
  An organised system to track Jobs to be carried out within the project. It automatically prioritizes any jobs present to maintain an ordered list.

• Fast menu links
  Allows fast editing of build script or Project Notes document, amongst others.
  
  

• Context-sensitive menus and popup's
  Some options give varying functionality depending on which window the option was selected from.
  
  

• Context-sensitive Help system
  The help system that you are reading now can be viewed directly from inside CodeBench, and will show the relevant section depending on where the help was called from.
  
  

• "Help-as-you-Type" system
  An integrated dictionary system keeps track of certain words under the cursor and presents various help options as you type or select words. The dictionary can be rebuilt as many times as you want and decides the source of information automatically depending on the project type.
  
  

• Foreign Project Import
  Some plugins may allow the importing of projects from other systems, and automatically create a CodeBench project from it. This saves having to manually recreate projects when loading programming projects from other packages.
  
  

• ARexx port
  A dedicated ARexx port is available which allows scripting various events and actions.
  
  

• "Auto Indentation" system
  A fully configurable system whereby you can specify which lines should be automatically in-dented and out-dented. You can configure certain keywords or patterns, and when a new line is requested, the line may be in-dented or out-dented if any of the conditions are met.
  
  

• "Change notifications"
  Files in the project are monitored for changes by external programs to ensure synchronisation.
  
  

• "Repository" support
  Support for synchronising your code with remote servers is included via a "plugin" interface. Included plugins allow very simple CVS and SVN synchronization, and also introducing SVNBench; probably the most advanced SubVersion front-end for AmigaOS right now.
  
  

• "AutoDoc" Viewer
  Integrated AutoDoc viewer allowing all AutoDocs to be viewed from a single application.

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