Using flowchart-based programming environments for simplifying programming and software engineering processes

Abstract

Programming environments based on an iconic, flowchart-based notation have been widely used in the context of introducing novices to programming. These tools were initially heavily based on the technology of structure editing, with the aim of alleviating the burden of focusing on the syntactic details of programming languages and giving the chance to focus on acquiring problem solving skills. The technology of program animation was also utilized, in order to allow for a better comprehension of programming structures and flow of control. Furthermore, the ability of generating syntactically correct source code from the flowchart was integrated into these tools. Recently, several advanced features were added in flowchartbased programming environments, such as support for collaborative activities and distributed pair programming and usage in mobile devices. In this paper, a thorough review of programming environments based on an iconic notation is carried out with a focus on the support provided for introducing novices to programming, as well as other important software engineering issues in a simplified and straightforward manner. Proposals for research on this field and opportunities for a better teaching and learning of software engineering are presented.

Student oriented implementation of SVPWM using LabVIEW and myRio

“…These environments offer a number of advantages such as object oriented programming, running through the program automatically, synchronized execution of flowchart and corresponding source code, explanatory visualization, and even web based applications and collaborative activities [13]. But, as mentioned before, the main aim is facilitating the understanding of algorithmic concepts.…”

Measuring Cognition Load Using Eye-Tracking Parameters Based on Algorithm Description Tools

“…In the visual programming described in the article by Charntaweekhun and Wangsiripitak [ 1 ], students learning programming can simply compile and run a program using the FCh without any coding and allow for easy debugging and detection. Thus, the presented system is excellent for teaching structural programming, as it avoids the learning difficulty caused by the individual syntax of programming languages, thus providing an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills [ 1 , 5 ].…”

“…In the study, Xinogalos [ 5 ] provides an overview of FCh-based programming environments and makes suggestions for making software engineering education more effective. In the article in Cabo [ 6 ], it was found that students who use FCh to solve problems effectively will learn Python or similar programming languages more easily (r-squared = 0.68).…”

“…Summarizing Charntaweekhun and Wangsiripitak [ 1 ], who used the FCh for syntax-independent visual programming, Xinogalos [ 5 ] made suggestions for using the FCh for more effective software development education; Cabo [ 6 ] and Hooshyar et al [ 7 ] see the FCh as a tool to support the development of cognitive processes; for Shafeek and Karunarathne [ 8 ] communication is easier to implement between developers than the source code based sort; Ying and Feng [ 9 ] said the FCh can help with high-level quantum programming. However, I examined the intelligibility of the FCh using eye movement parameters and compared it with the intelligibility of the N-S as since these algorithm description tools have not been examined by anyone else in this way.…”

An Observational Study on the Maintainability Characteristics of the Procedural and Object-Oriented Programming Paradigms

“…It can also be characterized, or at least explained, in terms of the conceptual modeling languages that reflect its core concepts and that encourage developers to adhere to its principles. For example, Flow Charts and Control-Flow Diagrams can be used to teach someone to think according to the Procedural Programming (PP) paradigm [2], whereas UML Class, Interaction, and State Diagrams can help someone understand Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) [3].…”