In computing, direct or immediate mode[1][2] in an interactive programming system is the immediate execution of commands, statements, or expressions. In many interactive systems, most of these can both be included in programs or executed directly in a read–eval–print loop (REPL).
Most interactive systems also offer the possibility of defining programs in the REPL, either with explicit declarations, such as Python's def
, or by labelling them with line numbers. Programs can then be run by calling a named or numbered procedure or by running a main program.
Many programming systems, from Lisp and JOSS to Python and Perl have interactive REPLs which also allow defining programs. Most integrated development environments offer a direct mode where, during debugging and while the program execution is suspended, commands can be executed directly in the current scope and the result is displayed.
Example
[edit]- Non-direct mode in Basic
10 PRINT "HELLO WIKIPEDIA" READY. RUN HELLO WIKIPEDIA READY.
- Direct mode in Basic
PRINT "HELLO WIKIPEDIA" HELLO WIKIPEDIA READY.