Non-programmers identifying functionality in unfamiliar code: Strategies and barriers

Source code on the web is a widely available and potentially rich learning resource for nonprogrammers. However, unfamiliar code can be daunting to end-users without programming experience. This paper describes the results of an exploratory study in which we asked non-programmers to find and modify the code responsible for specific functionality within unfamiliar programs. We present two interacting models of how non-programmers approach this problem: the Task Process Model and the Landmark-Mapping model. Using these models, we describe code search strategies non-programmers employed and the difficulties they encountered. Finally, we propose guidelines for future programming environments that support non-programmers in finding functionality in unfamiliar programs.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: VL
• Authors: Paul A. Gross, Caitlin Kelleher
• Keywords: Code, Languages, Unfamiliar Code, Unfamiliar Programs, VL 2009