Error detection and reporting in StarLogo Nova block-based programming language

Abstract

StarLogo Nova is a program where users can create 3D games and simulations by connecting drag-and-drop blocks to create programs. Although the structure of the blocks prevents a class of syntax errors common with typed languages, there is no system in place to catch semantic errors like type errors that most compilers detect. Further, errors that occur during the runtime of the program fail silently, providing the user with no feedback about how to prevent the error and sometimes causing unexpected behavior. In this thesis, the author implements a semantic analysis pass to the StarLogo Nova compiler, as well as other debugging-related features, to improve compile time and runtime error reporting and to give users meaningful feedback about their programs.