Abstract

Visual computer languages exploit the natural language of diagrams and pictures to provide a simple and intelligible approach to programming. Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide them with a formal syntax and semantics. In this paper we show how the RCC spatial calculus can be used to provide an unambiguous, formal description of such languages by systematically describing the syntax of Pictorial Janus. Keywords: Visual programming languages, spatial languages 1 Introduction Computer programming would be much simpler if programming languages were somehow closer to natural language. Unfortunately, specifying algorithms and data structures unambiguously requires a degree of formality not usually associated with natural language and thus reconciliation between the two is hard to imagine. However, there is another form of `natural' language --- the language of diagrams. Simple, stylised, pictures are readily understood (and reproduced) by people regardless of the spoken languag...

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