Research Article

On Compiler Error Messages: What They Say and What They Mean

Table 2

Which principles are violated by which error messages (see Appendix A). indicates violation of the principle, whereas means the violation is less clear or to a lesser extent.

Error Message No.
Principle 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Clarity & Brevityblackblackblackblack
Specificityblack
Context-insensitivityblackblackblack
Localityblackblackblack
Proper phrasing:
 Positive toneblack
 Constructive guidanceblackhalf-blackblackblackblackblackblack
 Programmer languagehalf-blackhalf-blackhalf-blackhalf-blackblackhalf-black