A Multi-platform Visual Programming Environment for Novices

在本研究中，我们旨在为新手开发一个具有良好GUI（图形用户界面）的编程环境。该环境为学生提供了编程所需的所有功能，因此他们不必关心操作系统等系统问题。我们还采用可视化的编程方式，为学生和教师提供一个简单明了的编程环境。1995年，我们设计了面向多平台可视化编程环境的库。它是在X窗口系统和MS Windows 3.1上实现的。我们通过在其上开发几个工具来验证它的实用性。1996年，我们在微软Windows 3.1和95上开发了一个可视化语言环境。该环境具有以下特点。环境中的程序用ns图表示。这是为了清楚地显示它们的结构。数据显示为对象，在程序运行时显示其状态。它可以让学生理解数据结构和算法。大多数操作都可以通过鼠标来完成。这对新手很有好处。在这种环境下编写的程序可以翻译成通用编程语言，比如Pascal。我们利用这个环境为高中生开设了编程课程。他们在问卷中回答说，他们对这个环境的编程很感兴趣。

In this study, we aimed to develop a programming environment which has good GUI (Graphical User Interface) for novices. The environment provides all functions for programming to students, so they do not have to care about system matters, such as operating system. We also adopt visual programming manner to provide a simple and clear programming environment for students and teachers.In 1995, we designed the library for multi-platform visual programming environment. It was implemented on X Window System and MS Windows 3.1. We verified its usefulness by developing several tools on it.In 1996, we developed a visual language environment on MS Windows 3.1 and 95. The environment has following features.1.Programs in the environment are expressed as NS-chart. This is to show the structure of them clearly.2.Data are displayd as objects which show their states while the program is running. It allows students to understand the data structures and algorithms.3.Most of the operations can be done by a mouse. This is good for novices.4.Programs made on the environment can be translated to general purpose programming languages, such as Pascal.We had programming classes for the high school students by utilizing this environment. They answered they had much interests for the programming on this environment in the questionnaire.