Light Table aims to embody Bret Victor’s notion of pervasively direct-manipulation in an IDE. So far Kodowa has released a little playground to run around in. Let’s take a look at their Instarepl.
The Instarepl has two columns. Write code in the left column. See results in the right column. Some say the best interface is no interface, and the Instarepl works best when it requires you to do less than you otherwise would.
Write some code.
Check that it works.
Write some more.
Check again.
A regular REPL helps you about this much. Now that something has gone wrong, the Instarepl helps us a little more. We see how every variable is instantiated.
Double check the definition.
Fix it.
No need to reload or retype a test expression. Two little steps are no longer required. Likewise, instant variable instantiation means you can just see what is passed where. Another step saved. Each little assist adds up. By the end, we have a whole new kind of experience.
More to come!