DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM WITH REFERENCE CARD AND PARAMETER WIZARD METHODOLOGIES FOR FACILITATING CREATION OF SOFTWARE PROGRAMS

A visual development environment is described which provides drag-and-drop code editing methodology, using Reference Card and Parameter Wizard methodologies. A Reference Card provides quick information on the most important classes and member functions, within one's code. During a session, the user may use the Reference Card to select an action that the user wants to perform. The user can search through a hierarchy of actions or perform a text search to locate the desired action, then open the Parameter Wizard to create the code (e.g., C++ code) required to perform that action. The Reference Card also provides help on all the items listed. The Parameter Wizard, which operates in conjunction with the Reference Card, guides the user through the construction of function calls. This is particularly useful for complicated functions or for functions with which the user is unfamiliar. The Parameter Wizard helps the user construct a function call by showing what argument values are required. The Parameter Wizard can also store function results in a specified variable. Using this drag-and-drop methodology, users can create program code with minimal user input or understanding.