Can Macros Be Used to Compile Code?

halfpower

Senior member
Mar 19, 2005
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I have a light weight text editor that I use to code up simple programs. At the moment I'm using Crimson Editor, and that has something called "tools." I configured the tools so that I can just press F3 to compile, and F11 to run. Many similar editors have something called "macros." Is there a way I can use macros to compile and run code the way I do with the "tools" in Crimson Editor?
 

trexpesto

Golden Member
Jun 3, 2004
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Webster's Dictionary:
Main Entry: macro
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural macros
Etymology: short for macroinstruction
: a single computer instruction that stands for a sequence of operations

Those macros are part of Crimson, (so-called "application scope") sounds like. Not the OS.
You can find out what they are doing and write a script that does the same thing.

Macros refer to a bit of modular functionality to support repeated actions. So the word "macro" is a generic term. It often entails chaining together functional bits of a program into what could be considered a mini-workflow script. Frequently there are macro-recording buttons that will let you define your own by keystrokes, as well as standard ones included with the program which you then configure, and sometimes that you can import/export/share with others.

AFAIK there isn't a single macros standard, other than some popular code libs. I use TextPad, it has the same stuff.

You should use a real IDE, though. The code completion alone will cut your time by half and reveal things you might not see otherwise. Most languages have a free IDE, or there are plugins you can get for Eclipse, etc.