[Bug c/31983] New: Add option to gcc to display specific language manual section reference for error/warning encountered.

["jamesodhunt at gmail dot com" <gcc-bugzilla at gcc dot gnu dot org>]

As a supplement to the -- by necessity -- terse error messages generated by
gcc, it would be fantastic (IMHO) if a new option could be added to gcc to
display the current language standard along with the _section_ in that standard
that the error applies to.

IE, rather than...

hello.c:1:10: error: #include expects "FILENAME" or <FILENAME>

We could have:

hello.c:1:10:c99:1.2.3.4: error: #include expects "FILENAME" or <FILENAME>

Where section 1.2.3.4 in the c99 standard might explain the syntax of includes.

This isn't a particularly good example, but some of gcc's warning and error
messages are cryptic enough that a pointer to the actual language specification
could be very useful for some people.

Alternatively, or in combination, gcc could provide references to more
widely-available sources (such as K&R and H&S for C, and Stroustrup or the ARM
for C++ for example).

As another alternative, how about referencing gcc test cases to help the
developer understand the problem?

Thanks for reading.

James.


-- 
           Summary: Add option to gcc to display specific language manual
                    section reference for error/warning encountered.
           Product: gcc
           Version: unknown
            Status: UNCONFIRMED
          Severity: enhancement
          Priority: P3
         Component: c
        AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org
        ReportedBy: jamesodhunt at gmail dot com


http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=31983