Smart program visualization technologies: planning a next step

Abstract

Learning to program is a difficult and complex process that needs to be aided by proper educational tools. The crucial question is if the tool can support the learning or not. The potentials of program visualization (PV) tools, especially essential in novice programmers training, were shown in the past. Unfortunately, they are still underutilized and the results of their use are inconclusive. Moreover, the approach of creating general-purpose tools for a general-user is no longer bearable. The tools should be smart and accommodate to the changing needs, goals, and context of the users. This can increase the efficiency, acceptance and usage of PV tools. We perform a critical analysis of the current state-of-practice in PV and smart technologies and propose a taxonomy linking these research tracks. In addition, we present directions for the future of the research in smart program visualization tools.