Translating keyword commands into executable code

Modern applications provide interfaces for scripting, but many users do not know how to write script commands. However, many users are familiar with the idea of entering keywords into a web search engine. Hence, if a user is familiar with the vocabulary of an application domain, we anticipate that they could write a set of keywords expressing a command in that domain. For instance, in the web browsing domain, a user might enter click search button. We call expressions of this form keyword commands, and we present a novel approach for translating keyword commands directly into executable code. Our prototype of this system in the web browsing domain translates click search button into the Chickenfoot code click(findButton(“search”)). This code is then executed in the context of a web browser to carry out the effect. We also present an implementation of this system in the domain of Microsoft Word. A user study revealed that endusers could use keyword commands to successfully complet...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: UIST
• Authors: Greg Little, Robert C. Miller
• Keywords: Click Search Button, Keyword Commands, UIST 2006, Web Browsing