Glossary

Search results

Abstract Syntax Tree(also: AST, Syntax Tree)

A hierarchical tree representation of source code structure that captures the syntactic relationships between programming constructs like functions, classes, loops, and statements. In accessibility, AST-based navigation tools like StructJumper allow blind programmers to traverse…

Audio Cue(also: Auditory Cue, Sound Cue, Earcon)

A non-speech sound used to convey information in an interface. In accessible programming environments, audio cues represent code structures, syntax errors, or navigation landmarks—for example, a door-opening sound for an "if" statement or distinct tones for different indentation…

Code Accessibility(also: Programming Accessibility, Accessible Coding)

The practice of making programming environments, source code, and software development tools usable by people with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. Code accessibility encompasses accessible IDEs and text editors, aural or tactile representations of code…

Computer Braille(also: Computer Braille Code, CBC)

Computer Braille is a specialized braille notation system that includes characters for symbols commonly used in computing, such as brackets, braces, semicolons, and other punctuation not found in standard literary braille. Unlike literary braille, which uses contractions to…

Context-Free Grammar(also: CFG, Formal Grammar)

A formal system for defining the syntactic rules of a language, consisting of a set of production rules that describe how symbols can be combined to form valid expressions. In accessibility and assistive technology, context-free grammars are significant because they can be used…

Programming Accessibility(also: Accessible Programming, Accessible IDE)

The practice of making software development tools, environments, and workflows usable by programmers with disabilities. Programming presents unique accessibility challenges beyond general computer use: code requires precise typing of special characters and symbols, specific…

Scripting Language(also: Script Language)

A programming language designed for automating tasks that could alternatively be executed one by one by a human operator. Scripting languages are typically interpreted rather than compiled and are used for writing short programs or scripts that automate repetitive tasks, extend…

Syntactic Structure(also: Program Structure, Code Structure)

The hierarchical arrangement of elements in a programming language according to the language's grammar rules, including how statements, expressions, and blocks are nested and related to one another. In accessibility contexts, syntactic structure is significant because sighted…

Syntax Highlighting(also: Code Highlighting, Syntax Coloring)

A feature of text editors and IDEs that displays source code in different colors and fonts based on the category of terms—keywords, variables, strings, comments, and operators are visually distinguished to improve readability and help programmers identify syntax errors. While…

Syntax-Directed Editor(also: Structure Editor, Syntax-Aware Editor)

A code editor that understands the formal grammar of a programming language and uses this knowledge to guide editing operations. Unlike plain text editors, syntax-directed editors treat source code as a structured tree of language constructs rather than a sequence of characters.…

Tree Navigation(also: Hierarchical Navigation, Tree View Navigation)

The process of moving through and exploring hierarchical data structures (trees) such as file systems, program structures, organizational charts, or menu systems. In accessible computing, tree navigation is a significant challenge because screen readers typically present tree…

11 results.