Title :
tactusLogic: Programming using physical objects
Author :
Smith, Andrew Cyrus ; Springhorn, Heinrich ; Mulligan, Steven Bruce ; Weber, Ireyan ; Norris, Jackie
Abstract :
We describe a new programming language that is based on physical elements and especially developed to test the hypothesis that a physical computer programming language is possible. This imperative language is deliberately limited to a few operators and constructs to simplify the language for the novice programmer. No computer knowledge is required once the programming system has been configured for use. Our evaluations reveal that the concept of variables, and redirecting program execution, are considered the most obscure amongst novice programmers.
Keywords :
logic programming languages; computer programming language; imperative language; physical elements; physical objects; program execution; tactusLogic; Computer languages; Computers; Programming; Programming environments; Software; Surface treatment; Testing; Input surface; fiducial; novice programmer; physical interface; tangible programming;
Conference_Titel :
IST-Africa Conference Proceedings, 2011
Conference_Location :
Gaborone
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4577-1077-3