Visual Snippet Editor - Success With Less

Visual programming has achieved limited success when used as a general programming language. Yet it clearly has advantages in simplifying the task of expressing executable logic. We show that a visual programming metaphor can be highly appropriate and successful when focused on the smaller task of writing snippets of code. These Visual Snippets are needed to complete a larger visual modeling and editing environment. The user would otherwise be required to define the snippet in Javatrade. This Visual Snippet Editor has been successfully deployed in a major IBMreg software product. Initial customer and usability study feedback have shown that it is a highly viable alternative to writing Java. It supports several user skill bases including those with introductory Java skills and those who program infrequently