Abstract This paper describes a method for collecting statistics about the use of compilers as part of the programming process. Results of an application of this method to a time‐shared system are presented. A study of the data leads to conclusions about the relative numbers and computer times of compilations used for program writing, correcting and checking. A comparison of two languages surveyed is also made.

HELPER is a symbol oriented debugging system used for programs which have been compiled previously. It is easily extensible employing an incremental compiler to process commands given in a natural language. Programs are executed by simulation permitting a number of analysis actions to take place on each instruction. Debugging is both dynamic and static. Many program errors are caught before execution and a back up feature is provided to check code in the neighborhood of an error. Free access to more machine oriented debugging tools is possible and a complete record of each computer session is kept.