An Effective Approach to Enhancing Compiler Error Messages

Compiler error messages present a significant challenge to novice programmers from the time they write their first program. These messages report details on errors the programmer made and are essential as a student's primary source of information on correcting their mistakes. However these frequently inadequate messages present a barrier to progress and are often a source of discouragement. We have designed and implemented an editor that provides enhanced compiler error messages to CS1 students learning Java and conducted a controlled empirical study. We find a reduced frequency of overall errors, errors per student, and identify eight compiler error messages for which enhancement has a significant effect. We also find a reduced number of repeated errors which indicates fewer students struggling with compiler errors.