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Designed for BeginnersChat Style ConsoleThe classic method to interact with the computer is to use the "Console". Using this approach, the program displays output on a text-only screen and the user inputs data using the keyboard. Sometimes the console allows the text to change colors, but, for the most part, it is white text on a black background. The Console works, but its simple interface can make it difficult to differentiate user input and program output. So, rather than using the text-only screen, Flowgorithm attempts to make it look like a typical instant messenger window. From the student's point of view, it looks like they are texting with the computer. The "chat bubbles" are color coded to match the Input and Output shapes used in the flowchart. In the screenshot to the right, the user's input is display in blue while the program's output is displayed in green. If you don't want to use the chat bubbles, you can also toggle between them and classical plain text. Graphical Variable WatchThe variable watch window is used to keep track of how your variables are changing as your program executes. So, if you are stepping through your program, the window will show each variable and its current value. This is not limited to just basic variables. Arrays will be displayed as well. Each variable is color coded based on its data type. At a glace, you can tell exactly what type of data is being stored - and catch where you may want to use a different data type.
Simple SemanticsFlowgorithm is a graphical programming language and, as a result, doesn't have a specific syntax (except for expressions). However, the semantics of a programming language is very important for beginner students. Many programming languages, like C, have "gotcha" moments where the code doesn't do what the student expects. The classic example is the simple expression: 1 / 2. The student, having studied mathematics since grade-school would assume it would be equal to 0.5. But, in C, it will be 0. So, Flowgorithm uses semantics with the least chance of "gotcha" moments. Students, advancing onto a full programming language, can learn them then. The following is a partial list:
Useful FeaturesTurtle GraphicsFlowgorithm supports turtle graphics. The idea comes from the classic programming language LOGO which was developed in 1967. It allows images to be created by the simple actions of the "turtle" - The goal was to teach programming concepts through the sequential steps required to create an image. Flowgorithm has 4 flowchart shapes that implement the features of LOGO:
The introduction of turtle graphics will give instructors one additional tool to teach programming. For example, instructors could ask the students to draw a rectangle - first through a sequence of steps, then later, using iteration. Basic File SupportFlowgorithm supports for basic text-based file input/output. This will allow students to generate output files or open input files so they can perform calculations on a large data set.
Conditional BreaksConditional Breaks can be added anywhere to a program. These are useful to pause execution as a certain point - often to show the current values stored in variables. Each Breakpoint can either pause if a Boolean expression is true or, alternatively, break in all cases. Flowgorithm can also execute a program in "Ignore Breakpoints" mode. This means, you can add as many breakpoints, that you want, and be able to run the program normally. In addition, if you want to simply delete all of them, Flowgorithm has that option. Pathway to Major Programming LanguagesInteractively Generate Real CodeThe Source Code Viewer can convert your flowchart to several major programming languages. If you planning to learn a high-level language, then this feature should help you along the way. The code is highlighted using the same color used by the flowchart's matching shapes. This allows you see visually see the correlation between the code and flowchart. Also, if you highlight shapes in the flowchart, or you step through your program, the source code will be highlighted to match. Supported Languages
Supported Pseudocodes
If your programming language and/or pseudocode is not listed, Flowgorithm supports customizable program templates. These are simple text files that can be written with any text editor. Once loaded, your flowchart can be automatically converted to the target syntax. Please check out the online documentation. Redundant OperatorsSince Flowgorithm strives to be a pathway to multiple programming languages, it supports operators from multiple programming languages. This includes the C family, BASIC family, and the mathematical symbols themselves (Unicode). For example, Flowgorithm expressions can use &&, and, and ∧ for Boolean-And. These are all equivalent and are equally valid. You can use any of operators - depending on the high-level language you want to learn later. Application FeaturesMultilingual support
Customizable Color Schemes
Color SkinsColor schemes can also be applied to the entire application. So, Flowgorithm can have a dark theme, light theme, or any color - for that matter. The picture below shows Cyberspace color theme applied to all windows.. Other Features
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