Using the Balloon Expression Evaluator

The balloon expression evaluator instantly shows you the current value of the expression at which your cursor is pointing in your editor.

To enable or disable the balloon expression evaluator option (not available with the GNU Emacs editor or the Vim editor):

1. Choose Options Text Editor Options from the WorkShop Main Window.

The Text Editor Options Dialog Box opens.

2. Choose an editor from the Editor to Use pull-down menu.

3. Choose one of the following from the pull-down menu next to Balloon Expression Evaluator:

4. Set the Popup Delay.

The default delay after the balloon expression evaluator display is posted is 0.6 seconds (600 ms).

To use the balloon expression evaluator, use the following keys while pointing with the cursor at source code in your editor:
Shift Press and hold to see the type of expression.
Control If the expression is a pointer, press and hold to dereference the pointer.
Meta (diamond) Press and hold to scan your source and evaluate many expressions without waiting for the delay.

Note - For the XEmacs editor, the balloon expression evaluator displays in the message area of the editor window; the Shift, Control, and Meta keys have no effect on the display.