Fast and Reliable Software Translation of Programming Languages to Natural Language

摘要

An experienced software professional with several years of programming in some languages is usually expected to read or write with proficiency in a new programming language. However, if severe time constraints are involved, and given the current availability of internet sources, there is no reason to avoid shortcuts supporting fast translation of source code keywords into Natural Language. This work describes our tool coined PL-to-NL Translator, the main ideas behind it, and its extensions. One basic assumption that was clear from the beginning of this work is the need to keep as far as possible a clear separation between generic infra-structure and the specifics of particular programming languages. Moreover, the tool keeps its generality relative to programming languages, enabling through its contributor engine, addition of any desired current or future programming language. The ideas and the software tool characteristics are illustrated by some case studies involving a few sufficiently different programming languages.