Visualization in Computing

oftware systems can be succinctly described, constructed, and managed in terms of their software conf ig~rat ion.’-~ This configuration consists of the set of software components that implement system functionality, plus their control and communication interconnections. Program modules are defined and constructed to provide well-defined interfaces, giving the information and calls provided to or required from other modules. The program is then configured by creating and interconnecting instances of these software modules. The specification of the system configuration provides a conveniently abstract form in which to define and comprehend programs, and it can also be used to generate the executable program. Evolutionary changes to the program are reflected as changes to the program structure, either by the addition of further modules or by the use of modified versions of selected modules. “Configuration programming,” the term we use to describe programming at the configuration level, thus provides a clear and flexible means for program definition, construction, modification, and comprehension. Configuration programThis workstation integrates the textual and graphical information required for configuration programming. Its editing, monitoring, layout, and control facilities are applied dynamically to operational systems.