Abstract :
Programmers often encounter cryptic compiler error messages that are di fficult to understand and thus di fficult to resolve.Unfortunately, most related disciplines, including compiler technology, have not paid much attention to this important aspect thataffects programmers significantly, apparently because it is felt that programmers should adapt to compilers. In this article, however,this problem is studied from the perspective of the discipline of human-computer interaction to gain insight into why compilererrors messages make the work of programmers more difficult, and how this situation can be alleviated. Additionally, becausepoorly designed error messages a ffect novice programmers more adversely, the problems faced by computer science studentswhile learning to program are analyzed, and the obstacles origina ted by compilers are identified. Examples of actual compilererror messages are provided and carefully commented. Finally, some possible measures that can be taken are outlined, and someprinciples for compiler error message design are included.
