Jeffrey L. Kodosky

Visual programming using structured data flow

In the quest for a visual programming language that can be used effectively by a broad range of people with different programming skill levels, a system has been developed based on a dataflow model extended with graphical control-flow structures. This system eliminates many of the problems associated with using dataflow graphs as a programming language, making programs easier to construct while still preserving the natural understandability of dataflow diagrams. Subroutine-like modules are encapsulated using an icon-based notation that facilitates the construction of large programs through hierarchical composition. Finally, a compiler has been constructed that generates machine code that is comparable to code generated by compilers of conventional languages such as Pascal and C. The visual language, called G, is embedded in LabVIEW, a scientific software system for laboratory automation and simulation.<<ETX>>