A Multi-platform Visual Programming Environment for Novices

在本研究中，我们的目的是开发一个编程环境，具有良好的GUI（图形用户界面）的新手。该环境为学生提供了编程的所有功能，因此他们不必关心系统问题，例如操作系统。我们还采用可视化编程方式，为学生和教师提供一个简单明了的编程环境，并于1995年设计了多平台可视化编程环境库。它是在X Window系统和MS Windows 3.1上实现的。1996年，我们在MS 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：1.环境中的程序采用NS图表示。这是为了清楚地显示它们的结构。2.数据显示为对象，显示程序运行时的状态。它能让学生理解数据结构和算法。3.大部分操作可以通过鼠标完成。4.在该环境下编写的程序可以翻译成Pascal等通用程序设计语言，利用该环境为高中生开设了程序设计课。在问卷调查中，他们回答说他们对该环境下的编程很感兴趣。

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.