Tools | Execute Compiler allows you to use your favorite compiler to compile source code in a file without leaving Multi-Edit. The compiler you use and the manner in which Multi-Edit works with it depends on the Filename Extension Setup of the file being edited.

When Execute Compiler is selected, a standard Multi-Edit List Box appears containing compiler interface menu items from which you may select, add and modify compiler interfaces. Highlight and select the compiler interface you want to run. It will immediately start compiling source code in the window you are editing.

The Compiler execution window is usually shown when doing a compile. The user can control how the compiler execution window is shown by setting the “Show” field in the Compiler/Program Setup dialog (see section Adding a new Compiler in the chapter Adding Language Support for a description of the Compiler/Program Setup dialog). When the “Hide” option is selected, the compiler execution window isn't even shown. Also, if the compiler execution window is shown, the output from the compiler can be hidden by setting the Tools | Customize | Program execution – “No output in window” option.

When finished compiling, Multi-Edit will display the compiler results in the Output tab of the Tool Pane, and Multi-Edit will place you on the first compiler error in the source file, assuming you have at least one compiler error. To move to subsequent compiler errors, use Tools | Find Next Compiler Error or press the ‘Next’ button in the Output Tool Pane. Instead of automatically tracking the errors as you move the cursor, the Output tab of the Tool Pane requires you to hit 'Enter' or double-click on the mouse. In addition, the errors in the Output tab of the Tool Pane are displayed in a different color when the window comes up.

Options which affect the Tool Pane displaying the Output tab:

Note the following options in Tools | Customize | Windowing | Tab Bar:

• Auto-show output pane: When checked, the Output tab of the Tool Pane will automatically be shown when the compile completes showing the results of the compile.
• Hide output pane on no errors or select: When “Auto-show output pane” is checked, then also checking “Hide output pane on no errors or select” will prevent the Output tool pane from automatically showing if there are no errors.

The Compiler Results are displayed in the Output tab of the Tool Pane (unless you have disabled the “Auto-Show Output Pane” option in Tools | Customize | Windowing | Tool Pane).

Multi-Edit is designed to support any compiler, and you can easily add your own compiler support. See Adding Compiler Support in the Adding Language Support chapter.

Most compilers give you a listing with more than one error when they've finished compiling. The compiler results are displayed in the Tool Pane (unless you have the Auto-arrange Compiler Error Window option disabled). To move to subsequent compiler errors, use Find Next Compiler Error or press the 'Next' button in the Output Tool Pane.

The following commands are available, and the keys assigned to the commands for the default CUA command map.