In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for selecting a first grammar rule in a programming language grammar. The grammar is used for determining a syntax validity of a programming code statement in a text editor and the first grammar rule includes a hard-to-type symbol that is syntactically correct for the programming code statement. A second grammar rule for the grammar is created. The created second grammar rule is substantially identical to the first grammar rule but the hard-to-type symbol is replaced with an easy-to-type symbol that is syntactically incorrect for the programming code statement. An action is associated with the grammar and is performed upon satisfying the second grammar rule. Performance of the second grammar rule causes the easy-to-type symbol in the programming code statement in the text editor to be replaced with the hard-to-type symbol.