Becker, Brett A.Brett A.Becker2016-04-262016-04-262016 ACM2016-03-059781450336857http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7583SIGCSE '16: The 47th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Memphis, Tennessee, 2 - 5 March 2016Compiler 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.en© ACM 2016. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here for your personal use. Not for redistribution. The definitive Version of Record was published in Proceedings of the 47th ACM Technical Symposium on Computing Science Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2839509.2844584.JavaDebuggingErrorsSyntax errorsError messagesCompiler errorsFeedbackNoviceProgrammingCS1Conference Publication12613110.1145/2839509.28445842016-03-09https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/