Claudius: an interactive graphical software design method

Abstract

The authors describe Claudius, a proposed graphical software design system for teaching software design. This system uses a goal-driven technique which is language-independent and encourages visualization of patterns and templates which are common in software design. These patterns are represented as flowcharts which can be combined into a single plan. Subprograms are represented with input and output parameters and side effects to fully define the interaction between subprograms and the main program. Alternate views of the program which are represented include a hierarchical diagram showing the scope of subprograms, and a data view which shows the data and the structure of the data. An intelligent tutoring system will assist students in using Claudius. This system will operate as a coach which can suggest what the student should do next and find errors the student has made.<>