Adding New Language Support

One can add support for other programming languages to Apache NetBeans using its Rich Client Platform API. 

Support to a programming language can be considered complete when it provides support for:

• code completion
• jump to definition, peek definition, find all references, symbol search
• types and documentation on hover
• code formatting
• refactoring (e.g. rename, move)
• error squiggles and apply suggestions from errors
• snippets
• build tasks

There are a number of ways to add support for a programming language, each one of them having its pros and cons. Historically, these are:

• JavaCC
• ANTLR
• Language Server Protocol (LSP)

Resources

NetBeans Specific Resources

• Rich Client Programming: Plugging into the NetBeans Platform https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Client-Programming-Plugging-NetBeans/dp/0132354802
  

• Apache NetBeans Platform for Beginners https://leanpub.com/nbp4beginners

• Lahoda J. (2019), "LSP Client demo - (ba)sh language server", ASF.
• Cardona J.R. (2018), "Quick Start: Creating Language Tools In NetBeans IDE", DZone.
• NetBeans Platform Learning Trail https://netbeans.apache.org/kb/docs/platform/index.html
• Kostaras I. et al. (2020), Pro Apache NetBeans, APress, Chapter 11, "Writing a Plugin for NetBeans".

Other resources

1. Clinton J.L. (2021), Build Your Own Programming Language, Packt.
2. Nadeeshaan G. & Nipuna M. (2022), Language Server Protocol and Implementation: Supporting Language-Smart Editing and Programming Tools, APress.
3. Parr T. (2010), Language Implementation Patterns, The Pragmatic Programmer.
4. Stalla A. (2021a), "Converting from JavaCC to ANTLR", Strumenta.
5. Stalla A. (2021b), "Go to Definition in the Language Server Protocol", Strumenta.
6. Singh V., Basics of Compiler Design, Anniversary Edition.
7. Tomassetti G., "The ANTLR Mega Tutorial", Strumenta.
8. Watt D.A. & Brown D. F. (2000), Programming Language Processors in Java, Prentice Hall.