3 ms·

Last I heard text is visual... so then what is text but a form of visual programming? In essence text is visual programming limited to set of symbols and token

Last I heard text is visual... so then what is text but a form of visual programming? In essence text is visual programming limited to set of symbols and tokens parsed in left to right order. Who said that this arbitrary set of rules is the best way to represent programming logic? The number of concepts for abstraction encompass many things in the visual realm. Graphs, procedures, arrows and even 3D space can be used to represent logic... Obviously with a space this big, text is unlikely to be the best way. Text based programming is simply a local minima that is seemingly the optimal minimum. The problem is we're so deep in this minimum that it's hard to climb out.

the_af 8y ago
> Last I heard text is visual... so then what is text but a form of visual programming? But the author of TFA defines what he means: "A visual programming language is one that allows the programmer to create programs by manipulating graphical elements rather than typing textual commands."
- DonHopkins 8y ago
  The mistake in that definition is saying "rather than" rather than "as well as".
  - the_af 8y ago
    I think that's splitting hairs. We all understand the difference between "texual" and "manipulating colored boxes, drawing arrows and generally using a non-textual interface". I'd rather we addressed this rather than the accuracy of the author's wording... I partially agree with the author in that programming is inherently complex, and that "visual" UIs are inadequate once the program reaches a sufficient complexity level. Also, textual manipulation tools tend to be ubiquitous and more importantly, non-propietary; I'm naturally wary of other tools. I disagree with the author in that I think there's still room for exploring graphical UIs.
- crimsonalucard 8y ago
  Aren't you "manipulating graphical elements" when you type in textual commands?
  - the_af 8y ago
    No, not in the sense the author is talking about. See my response to the sibling comment.

the_af 8y ago

> Last I heard text is visual... so then what is text but a form of visual programming? But the author of TFA defines what he means: "A visual programming language is one that allows the programmer to create programs by manipulating graphical elements rather than typing textual commands."

DonHopkins 8y ago
The mistake in that definition is saying "rather than" rather than "as well as".
- the_af 8y ago
  I think that's splitting hairs. We all understand the difference between "texual" and "manipulating colored boxes, drawing arrows and generally using a non-textual interface". I'd rather we addressed this rather than the accuracy of the author's wording... I partially agree with the author in that programming is inherently complex, and that "visual" UIs are inadequate once the program reaches a sufficient complexity level. Also, textual manipulation tools tend to be ubiquitous and more importantly, non-propietary; I'm naturally wary of other tools. I disagree with the author in that I think there's still room for exploring graphical UIs.
crimsonalucard 8y ago
Aren't you "manipulating graphical elements" when you type in textual commands?
- the_af 8y ago
  No, not in the sense the author is talking about. See my response to the sibling comment.