Visually Embodying Well-Typedness of Algebraic Data Structures through Maramafication

Abstract

This paper presents a maramafication of an essential part of FPLs: the construction of well-typed algebraic data structures based on type definitions with at most one type parameter. Maramafication means the design of visual ‘twins’ of existing programming constructs using spatial metaphors rooted in common sense or inborn spatial intuition, to achieve self-explanatoriness. This is, among others, useful to considerably reduce the gap between programmers and non-programmers in the creation of programs, for educational purposes or for invoking enthusiasm among non-programmers.