MP-Templates Operating Toolkit in Movie-Based Programming

Abstract

The movie-based representation of algorithms and programs is in showing their features as a sequence of animation frames. Accordingly, any animation frame should visualize/animate a corresponding stage of a program/algorithm execution. Each movie-program frame (MP-frame) shows highlighted elements of parameterized data structures defining operations on them and reflecting algorithm logic. Each operation is tagged by a unique color. Special control lines allow referencing these colored areas as well as changing dynamically their sizes and placement. The key point is that elements in these areas are coloring not manually by a programmer, but automatically using MP-templates each of which specifies a particular principle depending on formal parameters.In this paper we describe an approach and tools to create and use MP-templates for movie-based programs. An MP-template is the major independent and self-sufficient component same as in conventional programming languages. A special visual technique is proposed for development of an optimal and correct MP-template for various possible parameters like placement coordinates, shape, order of scanning, etc. in order to decrease difficulties and time-consuming userpsilas actions. Also, a various handling concepts are introduced to manage the MP-templates library and use MP-templates in a movie-based programming process. A software toolkit implementing proposed features as well as usage examples will also be presented.