Construct-associated candidate tag for development-phase compiler requests

Abstract

Construct-modification tags conveying development-phase compiler requests are introduced into source code to facilitate communication between developers, identify areas that need developer attention, send directives to a compiler, and other development features in an integrated development environment, during the software development phase. A CANDIDATE tag conveys a request to a compiler to identify multiple candidate constructs, compile each set of candidates or sets of multiple candidates into executables, and profile the compiled executables. Results of the profiling can be compared and a best candidate or set of candidates selected based on one or more of various criteria. A CANDIDATE tag may incorporate properties, permissions, and generate notifications. Methods ensure that tags no longer remain in source code once the software development process enters the production phase.