Code Editor Field

Appian does not have any fields of any kind that allow the display of code (fixed-width monospaced fonts, syntax highlighting, etc.). This field would allow both the input of code (with syntax validation) as well as the display in a read-only fashion.

This field wraps the Ace Code Editor (http://ace.c9.io) in a SAIL Component, which uses the BSD license.

The Code Editor Field provides a special-purpose SAIL input field for entering, editing, and displaying code, including syntax highlighting of over 100 programming languages. The field shows the line numbers, selected or current line, supports code folding, and many other options. It is useful for applications that automate IT processes, for training or reference purposes, and anywhere that the formatting of monospaced text is important.

As a member of Appian's sales engineering group (Solutions Consulting) who makes a lot of tools for both enabling other Solutions Consultants as well as prospects and customers, there are many times when I wish to have embedded a code example into a SAIL page. This Code Editor Field Component would allow me to include syntax-highlighted monospaced code snippets to a SAIL page.

I plan to include syntax highlighting for Appian's Expression language as well. This would make this Component useful for any training app, including the Appian Trial experience.

Additionally, as the creator of the MongoDB Connected System plugin, I am working on a companion app to help customers in implementing applications with the plugin. In this companion app, I wish to provide the ability to test MongoDB's JSON-based query language, to help Designers nail down their queries right from inside Appian.