Automatic layout for graphical representation of programs
Panagiotis K. Linos · 1988
A new programming environment tool called VIC(visual interactive C) is presented in [1]. VIC uses a data model which contains two classes of entities and three relations. The graphical editor used by VIC, displays the architecture of a C program in a graphical form called two column graph(2CG). The 2CG is a mapping of the ER graph (logical representation of a C program) onto a graphical representation using icons for vertices and lines between icons for edges. Functions of the C program, are displayed as rectangular shaped icons on the left column. Data stores (variables, constants, types) are displayed as ellipse, oval and diamond shaped icons on the right column. Call relations, among functions, are displayed as directed arrows on the left side of the screen. Inherit relations among data stores are displayed as directed arrows on the right side of the screen. Data flow between functions and data stores are displayed in the middle of the screen as undirected connecting lines. However the display of large programs using 2CG results in non readable drawings. It is hypothesized that an efficient layout algorithm for automatic drawing and display of two column graphs based on several aesthetic criteria, will result in significantly more readable and aesthetically pleasing looking drawings.