Visual programming language

In the field of computer science, the term "visual programming language" (also known as "visual programming system," VPL, or VPS) refers to any programming language that allows users to write programmes by visually manipulating programme parts as opposed to textually defining them. Programming using visual expressions, such as spatial arrangements of text and graphic symbols, is made possible by a VPL. These may be used either as parts of the syntax or as secondary notation. For instance, many VPLs (also known as dataflow or diagrammatic programming) are built on the concept of "boxes and arrows." In this concept, boxes or other screen objects are viewed as entities, and they are linked by arrows, lines, or arcs that indicate interactions between the entities.

It is possible to further categorise VPLs into icon-based languages, form-based languages, and diagram languages, depending on the kind and degree of visual expression that is used. Visual programming environments offer graphical or iconic components that may be handled by users in an interactive manner according to some predefined spatial grammar for the generation of programmes. These environments are also known as graphical programming languages.