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Ask HN: Code Snippet Search within the IDE
I recently built an Eclipse plugin that allows programmers to quickly search for and insert code snippets. I find it incredibly useful - it significantly decreases my programming time.
Here's the website (with video): http://languageinterfaces.com
Unlike Eclipse Templates and Microsoft IntelliSense:
(1) snippets are searchable (this isn't a simple dictionary lookup)
(2) search queries can include parameters. For example, type the shortcut key to open the search box and enter: "print "hello"" to quickly insert: "System.out.print("hello");" or try "for 10" or "for myVar" (where myVar is a local array or int)
(3) snippets can easily be shared (they are stored in an online repository)
I primarily use it in two ways:
(1) to save time typing (fewer keystrokes are required when I've memorized a search)
(2) to quickly find/retrieve complex code snippets (e.g. search for "tcp" or "screenshot" or "file")
Do you think this would be useful to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts. I am a PhD student and this is an active research project. Critical feedback is encouraged :)
Please try it out and share with others!