Missing Features

The #1 missing feature for IDEs is a must-have because it’s simple, obvious and needed: code/context sensitive spelling and grammar check.

That is, spell check that knows to ignore the programming language code itself but still highlights spelling errors will little red squiggles in string variables, output commands, comments and possibly even variable names (using usage comparison and spelling data) in code view.

Why would this be helpful?

Well, with no spell check you have this kind of work flow:

1. Johnny writes some C# code to convert the carriage returns in an import file so the VP of Sales can view the financial reports in Notepad.
2. Johnny compiles the code for a demo to the VP of Sales.
3. At the demo, the team points out three spelling mistakes.
4. Johnny nods and says “Yah, yah. I’ll fix it.” (He doesn’t take any notes.)
5. Johnny returns to his desk, opens up the latest Perry Bible Fellowship strip and immediately forgets to fix the spelling mistakes.
6. The PM does a pass and files three individual tickets, one for each spelling mistake.
7. Johnny fixes the spelling mistakes, compiles the application and is annoyed at having to fix lowly spelling mistakes.

That’s a lot of wasted time for a frustrated developer who no matter what won’t take proper notes in a meeting.

Give that same developer spell check and the work flow is suddenly cheaper, faster and better:

1. Johnny writes some C# code to convert the carriage returns in an import file so the VP of sales can view the financial reports in Notepad.
2. Johnny compiles the code for a demo.
3. The VP of Sales gives Johnny a raise for wasting two weeks to build a worthless import engine that the VP wants but won’t ever use.

Sure, there are some tools that might do this (and might install spy ware too, judging by the site). But this shouldn’t be an add-on, it should be a native part of Visual Studio, Dreamweaver, Emacs, etc.

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