Flow: ferramenta web para criação de fluxogramas executáveis

Abstract

Algorithms and programming logic are the most important concepts that one person needs in order to become a good programmer but, although essential, those are not simple subjects. Among the different methods used in aid to the teaching and learning of those subjects, flowcharts stand out as the most used due to its good acceptance among students, what occurs due the fact that flowcharts are a graphical representation of algorithms. However, the use of flowcharts as a mere graphical abstraction can be seen as an unnecessary limitation. In this context was proposed and developed a web tool that allows a user to create flowcharts that can be run similarly to computer programs. This flowchart execution of the tool can be performed in a complete mode, in which all the flowchart is traversed from the beginning to the end and in a step by step mode, in which the user as complete control over the steps of the flowchart execution. The step by step mode is especially effective to demonstrate the logical operation of an algorithm. The tool also provides to the user a high level of freedom in the construction of flowcharts and because the tool has been developed for web environments, presents several possibilities of future expansion. The existence of this tool raises the possibility of assisting the teaching and learning process of algorithms.