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Grok

The one and only CA-Clipper lint checker that is far pickier about your code than you would ever want to be.

Grok now or pay later

Grok is a lint checker for the Xbase language, and CA-Clipper® in specific. A "lint checker" examines your source code and points out errors, questionable coding techniques, and unnecessary code. For example, Grok's analysis (grokking) of this code: 


STATIC snSave

FUNCTION Square( nVal, nPower )
  LOCAL nSave
  LOCAL nTest
  nSave := nVal * nVal
RETURN nSave

will produce the following three messages: 


Unreferenced formal parameter : 'nPower'
Local variable declared but never referenced : 'nTest'
Unreferenced static variable : 'snSave'

While it is easy to see these mistakes in a small code sample, imagine finding the same type of mistakes in several thousand lines of source code. Grok can do it in seconds, with the same level of analysis for all your source code, regardless of the amount.  Even better, the upcoming Grok 2 release can analyze source code larger than Clipper can compile, and has an interactive editor that can put you right at the offending line of code, and give you context-sensitive help on the error.  Contact our staff for further information on Grok 2.

Grok is the perfect complement to CA-Clipper. If you only purchase one tool to improve your development of CA-Clipper code, Grok is the best choice. No other product can offer you the expertise and reliability of Grok. Grok examines your source code in exhaustive detail, providing diagnostic information that would be difficult, if not impossible, to derive manually.

Grok is compatible. It comes with ready-to-run "compiler" support for Multi-Edit (both DOS and Windows versions), CodeWright, Ed for Windows, and Brief. Using it as an interactive tool inside any of these or other programmable editors is an unbeatable asset. Grok assures clean, high-quality code when used regularly. It helps you remove "fluff" that often gets left behind as source code changes.

Grok is fast, speeding through your source code at rates equal to or greater than CA-Clipper's compilation of the same code. This means that you can make recommended changes in your editor, and immediately verify that the problem has been fixed.

Grok is easy. If you know how to use CA-Clipper, you know how to use Grok. Grok's interface is familiar to anyone who has experience with CA-Clipper, as it is designed to "plug-in" where you would use CA-Clipper's source code analysis features. It is a 16-bit DOS executable with command line switches to customize its operation. It works in your existing development environment, with your existing editor.

Grok does more. With Grok's /xt (tag output) switch, you can produce GNU-compatible tag files. Editor support for tag files provides the ability to move directly to the declaration of a specific entity in your source code, whether it be a routine, variable, or pre-processor directive. With the /xp (prototype output) switch, you can generate function prototypes that will quickly provide you with the calling syntax for any routines in that source module. Either of these switches can be used at the same time as the lint output.

Grok is flexible. If you use other Xbase code development systems, Grok is still a great tool for you. While Grok was developed with CA-Clipper specifically in mind, most of its analysis can be used with other Xbase flavors. Whatever language flavor you diagnose with Grok, it will help increase the performance of the application, improve reliability, and help reduce the size of the application by pointing out unnecessary parts of your code.

Grok is thorough, with over 150 diagnostic messages that may be emitted when analyzing your source code. Each of these messages is explained in detail in both the on-line and printed documentation.

The word "grok" itself comes from the novel Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert A. Heinlein, where it is a Martian word meaning literally 'to drink' and metaphorically 'to be one with.' Its definition is:

To understand, usually in a global sense. Connotes intimate and exhaustive knowledge. Contrast zen, similar supernal understanding as a single brief flash. See also glark. (Glark is defined as figuring something out from context.)

We think "grok" perfectly defines our product. Once you start grokking your code, we're sure you will agree. In fact, you have thirty days to find out for yourself how well Grok works. If you are not satisfied, return it for a full refund of the purchase price (if all original materials are returned as well).

Where to get Grok

Grok is available for US$249.  You can download a zip file containing the Grok installation program from here, and contact us to get the serial number for the install.

Programming Tools, a leading provider of analysis tools for Xbase. Their flagship Xbase product, TechWriter, won the prestigious Reader's Choice Award for "Best Documentation Tool" from Data Based Advisor magazine five years in a row (starting  with its initial release). Grok is the perfect companion product to TechWriter, since Grok concentrates on individual source code modules, while TechWriter focuses on system analysis and generating documentation. TechWriter is available for $349.

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