Abstract: Graphically building an abstract syntax tree includes displaying a user interface comprising a canvas and a presentation pane; displaying on the canvas a depiction of the abstract syntax tree; and displaying within the presentation pane a plurality of elements, wherein each of the plurality of elements is selectable as a visual node to add to the depiction of the abstract syntax tree. The method also includes receiving first input indicating selection of one of the plurality of elements; and adding to the canvas a first node in the depiction of the abstract syntax tree with a first visual label related to the one of the plurality of elements.