Learning Dynamic System Oriented Model Based Programming

As dynamic system oriented model based programming (DSO-MBP) platforms, such as Simulink, becomes more and more popular, more and more students desire to learn such kind of programming. However, college students in computer science or related disciplines cultivated with traditional text-based programming, such as structured, procedural and OOP, find it frustrating to learn DSO-MBP. Our experience exhibited that it is the distinct programming paradigm of DSO-MBP that causes the trouble. This paper reports our understanding on elements of DSO-MBP paradigm, including model based, block supported, GUI interfaced, subsystem organized, time-variant signal driven, new parameter passing, call-back functioning, and more accessible look and feel. We point out their differences and similarities with respect to traditional programming paradigm elements. We hope our contribution can help newcomers easily switch from traditional programming paradigms to the DSO-MBP paradigm and learn DSO-MBP effectively.