A rapid prototyping system based on data flow principles

Abstract

Data flow diagrams are commonly used in a semi-formal way (together with other associated tools) for the specification of a wide range of data processing applications. The main associated tools are those used for the definitions of data flows and processes, namely so-called data dictionaries, better perhaps lerned system or application dictionaries. A system is described which builds a directly executable model of an application from a data flow diagram/application dictionary specification. The system has certain analogies with data flow machines and languages, and with simulation systems. It is described as a rapid prototyping system because the application specification requirements are minimal, although performance may not be particularly efficient.