We describe a new programming language that is based on physical elements and especially developed to test the hypothesis that a physical computer programming language is possible. This imperative language is deliberately limited to a few operators and constructs to simplify the language for the novice programmer. No computer knowledge is required once the programming system has been configured for use. Our evaluations reveal that the concept of variables, and redirecting program execution, are considered the most obscure amongst novice programmers.
Reference:
Smith, AC, Springhorn, H, Mulligan, SB, et al. 2011. tactusLogic: programming using physical objects. IST-Africa 2011 Conference, Gaborone, Botswana, 11-13 May 2011, pp 9pp
Smith, A. C., Springhorn, H., Mulligan, S., Weber, I., & Norris, J. (2011). tactusLogic: programming using physical objects. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5098
Smith, Andrew C, H Springhorn, SB Mulligan, I Weber, and J Norris. "tactusLogic: programming using physical objects." (2011): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5098
Smith AC, Springhorn H, Mulligan S, Weber I, Norris J, tactusLogic: programming using physical objects; 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/5098 .