Addition of simple input completion function to Fatsia

Abstract

The purpose of study: A new code editing screen has been added to Fatsia, a software that supports Bayesian simulations on RStan, enabling users to create their own models. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility and practicality of implementing the input completion function on this editing screen. Materials and Methods: Three specifications were defined for the input completion function: an autocomplete function, a snippet function, and a completion function for filenames and folder paths. The display timing of predictive candidate words was limited to simple cases. Results: An input completion function that displays a context menu on the new code editing screen of Fatsia was implemented and distributed. To assess its effectiveness, the number of keystrokes was compared between cases where the input completion function was used and cases where it was not, using sample text. The input completion function proved successful in reducing the amount of typing work required. Discussion: This study showed that limiting specifications enabled the construction of a simple input completion function for program source code in a relatively easy manner. The implementation of this input completion function led to reduced input time and fewer typing errors. Moreover, it is believed that the combination of this function with an existing template feature can enhance the overall utility of Fatsia. The performances of RStudio, IntelliSense in Visual Studio, and Fatsia were compared, and future improvements to Fatsia’s input completion function were considered.