Source code generation

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Source code generation is the act of generating source code basing on an ontological model such as a template and is accomplished with a programming tool such as a template processor or an IDE. These tools allow the generation of source code through any of various means.

The simplest form of source code generator is a macro processor, such as the C preprocessor, which replaces patterns in source code according to relatively simple rules.

IDEs such as Microsoft Visual Studio have more advanced forms of source code generation, with which the programmer can interactively select and customize "snippets" of source code. Program "wizards", which allow the programmer to design graphical user interfaces interactively while the compiler invisibly generates the corresponding source code, are another common form of source code generation.