Jigsaw Language Toolkit

Abstract

In recent years, graphical programming systems based on the jigsaw puzzle metaphor have gained popularity due to their ability to visualize syntactical constraints. The supported languages usually have very simple type systems and little to no static type checking. The jigsaw puzzle metaphor has the potential to visualise the constraints and possibilities in languages with more complex types. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a reusable GUI toolkit based on the jigsaw puzzle metaphor. The toolkit supports concepts from object oriented design, such as type polymorphism, inheritance and generics.