The Flow Chart Language

Exploring the Flow Chart Language (FCL): A Detailed Overview

The Flow Chart Language (FCL) is a computer programming language that emerged in the late 1980s. It was designed to offer a way to represent algorithms and computational processes through graphical flowchart-based constructs, making it easier for programmers to design, visualize, and communicate complex processes. FCL was introduced in 1989 and has had a lasting influence on the design of visual programming languages and tools, especially those focusing on diagrammatic representations of algorithms.

In this article, we will dive deep into FCL’s history, its design principles, its relationship with other languages, its features, and the context of its development. Additionally, we will explore how the language fits into the larger ecosystem of programming languages and its continued relevance in modern computing.

The Origins of Flow Chart Language (FCL)

FCL was developed in the late 1980s by a collaboration among several prestigious institutions and companies, including Copenhagen University, Technical University of Denmark, DIKU (the computer science department at the University of Copenhagen), and Computer Resources International A/S. This academic and industrial collaboration aimed to create a tool that could simplify the process of programming by using a more visual approach.

The underlying concept of FCL was to abstract programming constructs into flowchart-like diagrams. This idea was not entirely new, as earlier graphical programming languages had attempted to visualize algorithms through diagrams. However, FCL sought to formalize this concept into a usable, practical language that could be employed in real-world programming tasks, combining both textual and graphical elements to represent algorithmic processes.

Key Features of FCL

FCL is distinctive for its use of flowcharts to represent algorithms. The key features of FCL include:

1. Graphical Representation: The core feature of FCL is its ability to represent algorithms visually. This approach aims to make the logic of a program easier to understand, especially for those who may not be as familiar with traditional textual programming languages.

2. Control Flow Constructs: FCL incorporates several key control flow constructs, such as loops, conditionals, and branching, which are depicted as flowchart elements. These constructs are essential for building complex programs, and FCL’s visual representation of them made it easier for programmers to follow and understand the logic.

3. Simplified Syntax: While FCL is based on flowcharts, it provides a simplified syntax for describing computational logic. This simplicity made it particularly appealing for educational purposes and for quick prototyping, where understanding the flow of logic quickly is essential.

4. Integration with Textual Code: Unlike purely graphical languages, FCL was designed to support the integration of textual code. This hybrid approach allowed programmers to use both graphical flowcharts and traditional textual programming in their work, facilitating easier transitions between different representations of the program.

5. Educational Tool: Given its visual nature, FCL was also used as an educational tool, helping students and new programmers understand the basic concepts of control flow and algorithm design. Flowchart-based languages like FCL provided a more intuitive approach to programming, particularly for people new to the field.

The Role of FCL in the Programming Language Ecosystem

At the time of its creation, FCL was part of a broader trend in programming languages toward more visual and interactive tools. The 1980s saw the rise of several graphical programming languages and environments that sought to simplify the development process and make programming more accessible to non-experts.

FCL, however, set itself apart by focusing specifically on the flowchart-based approach to representing algorithms. This made it both a pioneering language and one that would have a lasting influence on later developments in graphical programming. While FCL itself did not achieve widespread adoption as a mainstream programming language, its impact on the development of other languages and tools, especially in educational and prototyping contexts, cannot be overstated.

The Influence of FCL on Visual and Diagrammatic Programming

One of the primary legacies of FCL is its influence on subsequent visual programming environments. Languages such as LabVIEW, Scratch, and even tools like UML (Unified Modeling Language) and flowchart-based editors owe a great deal to the principles established by FCL. These tools and languages rely heavily on visual elements to represent programming logic, with flowchart-like diagrams playing a central role.

FCL’s use of flowcharts also presaged the rise of diagrammatic and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) in programming, which would later dominate fields such as software engineering, simulation, and automated design. The movement toward more intuitive, visually-driven programming environments reflects FCL’s influence, particularly in its role as a precursor to more modern visual programming tools.

The Decline of FCL and Its Legacy

While FCL itself did not become widely popular, it played an important role in the development of visual programming languages. Its usage was initially limited to academic and research contexts, with many programmers seeing the graphical approach as a novelty rather than a necessary tool. Moreover, the rise of more powerful and flexible textual programming languages, such as C, C++, and later Java, meant that flowchart-based languages like FCL were overshadowed by the increasing sophistication of non-visual tools.

Despite this, the educational value of FCL and its graphical approach to algorithmic thinking ensured that it remained influential. Today, its principles are evident in many visual programming environments that aim to make coding more accessible to beginners and non-programmers. The idea that programming can be made easier through graphical representation continues to shape how modern educational programming environments are designed.

FCL’s Position in the Modern Programming Landscape

In the context of modern software development, FCL’s direct use has dwindled. However, the principles it introduced remain relevant in various forms. Many programming environments now incorporate flowchart-like structures, particularly in areas such as debugging, process modeling, and system design. Tools like Microsoft Visio, draw.io, and various UML diagramming tools borrow heavily from the flowchart principles that FCL helped popularize.

Moreover, the educational value of flowchart-based representations of algorithms continues to be realized in the form of newer educational tools. For example, Scratch, a visual programming language developed by MIT, allows children and beginners to build algorithms using graphical blocks that are loosely based on flowchart structures.

FCL and Open Source Programming

The open-source movement, which gained momentum in the 1990s and 2000s, did not see a significant resurgence of FCL in its more traditional sense. However, the open-source ethos of freely available tools and collaborative development aligns with the foundational principles of FCL, which emphasized accessibility and simplicity in programming. The rise of open-source graphical programming environments, though distinct in their own right, continues to echo the ideals that FCL represented.

Conclusion

FCL was an innovative attempt to make programming more accessible through the use of flowcharts and graphical representations. Although it did not become a widely adopted programming language, its impact on the development of visual programming languages, educational tools, and diagrammatic approaches to coding remains profound.

In retrospect, FCL serves as an early example of how abstraction and visualization can enhance our understanding of programming. It helped pave the way for the modern tools and languages that use graphical elements to represent complex ideas, making it easier for people of all backgrounds to engage with and understand computational processes.

Today, FCL is mostly remembered as a historical stepping stone in the evolution of programming languages. However, its legacy lives on in the visual tools and educational platforms that dominate the modern programming landscape, ensuring that its impact continues to be felt in the field of software development and beyond.