Tech Report CS-89-06

Parsing in a Visual Language Environment

Eric J. Golin and Steven P. Reiss

February 1989

Abstract:

Visual programming languages use pictures as programs. A visual programming environment supports the creation of visual programs. A spatial parser recovers the underlying structure of a visual program from the picture. We describe how a spatial parser can be used to form the basis of a language-independent visual programming environment. A new model for specifying the syntax of visual language, the Picture Layout Grammar, is described. Finally, an algorithm for parsing visual programs based on a PLG specification is given.

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