Implementation of visual languages using pattern‐based specifications

Abstract

SUMMARYThe implementation of visual languages requires a wide range of conceptual and technical knowledge from issues of user interface design and graphical implementation to aspects of analysis and transformation for languages in general. We present a powerful toolset that incorporates such knowledge. Our toolset generates editors from high-level specifications. A language is specified by identifying certain patterns in the language structure and selecting a visual representation from a set of precoined solutions. Visual programs are represented by attributed abstract trees. Therefore, further phases of processing visual programs can be generated by state-of-the-art tools for language implementation. We demonstrate that even challenging visual languages can be implemented with reasonably little effort and with rather limited technical knowledge. The approach is suitable for a large variety of visual language styles.

Handling of layout-sensitive semantics in a visual control language

“…This way, the advantages of the AST based approach is retained, opening for straightforward construction of alternative textual syntaxes. Another visual language approach based on attribute grammars is the VL-Eli system [8], which is a mature system supplying a high level specification formalism directly targeting visual languages. Our approach is at a more basic level, focusing on reuse of a RAG-based core model for different tools.…”

Implementing semantic feedback in a diagram editor

“…al. [19] have used attribute grammars to implement visual editors. They use something called visual patterns that are predefined reusable implementations of common visual representations, such as lists, graphs, tables and line connections.…”

Usability Evaluation of a System for Implementation of Visual Languages

“…A visual language called "generic drawings" is used to define representation details in a WYSIWYG style (Figure 2c). A more detailed description of DEViL's specification concepts can be found in [7] and [8].…”