Creating/editing templates with frequently used code

Create →templates in order to insert frequently used sections of code within the ST-editor by using content assist.

How to create a template for the ST-editor:

1. In menu Window, select Preferences. Expand the group ST-Object and select Templates.

2. Click New...
   

3. In the dialog, enter the following data as required, then click OK.

   • the template name in field Name

   • the context type for the new template in the Context drop down list
     The context determines where the template can be used and the set of available template variables.

   • check for Automatically insert so that content assist automatically inserts the template, if it is the only proposal available at the code position.

   • a description for the new template in field Description
     This description is displayed as information in the list of the content assist.

   • the code for this template in field Pattern

   • one or more template variables in field Pattern
     Example: The pattern (* created on ${date} by ${user} for ${word_selection} *) creates a comment based on the selected word and adds the date and the ID of the user.
     For each required template variable: Click Insert Variable... and double-click one of the items in the provided list. The list also provides an item to create a new template variable (in field Pattern, enter a name for the inserted, new template variable).
     

     What is a template variable?

     A template variable marks an editable location in the code of the template. They can be resolves to a concrete value when the code of the template is evaluated in its context. They can also provide a list of alternative proposals valid at the given location.
     For instance, a template variable within a declaration template stands in for the identifier that is needed within a declaration.

How to edit an existing template for the ST-editor:

1. In menu Window, select Preferences. Expand the group ST-Object and select Templates.

2. Select the template that you want to edit.

3. Click Edit...

4. In the dialog, edit the data as required (accordingly to creating a template), then click OK.
   This creates a new template based on the current template: Change the template name in field Name.

In addition to creating and editing the templates, the preferences for the templates provide the following possibilities: