Program visualization in programming environment : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis describes the investigation of techniques for the interactive display of program source code, with particular emphasis on large and complex programs. Folding and fisheye display techniques have been investigated, coupled with "hot-spot" or embedded menu interaction techniques typical of hypertext systems. Automatically created links through identifiers, procedures, etc, are employed to enhance the user's ability to comprehend the program structure and to methodically move about within it. Some suggestions are made concerning high level data processing and more advanced programming environments. A prototype system has been developed on a UNIX workstation to provide an environment for the C language.