Language specific versus generic iconic programming systems and grammars

This dissertation evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of generic and language specific iconic programming systems, investigates the feasibility of developing iconic grammars, and provides a requirements definition for automatically developing the next generation of iconic editing systems from an iconic lex and yacc^1.

The research undertaken is a continuation of the work on iconic programming systems begun in 1991. The original prototype system, BACCII- was designed to be a teaching aid and design tool for entry level computer programming courses. The tool allows students to program generically using iconic representations within a syntax directed editing environment. The student then generates one of several languages to send through a compiler. The original version was targeted at the procedural paradigm with Pascal being the language of choice. The system evolved and was eventually modified to accommodate the object-oriented paradigm as well, specifically generating C++.