Graphics and languages for the flexible modular framework

John F. Sowa

pp. 31-51

in: Karl E. Wolff, Heather D. Pfeiffer, Harry Delugach (eds), Conceptual structures at work, Berlin, Springer, 2004

Abstract

Every communication has syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. For computer communications, software designers have addressed syntax explicitly while leaving semantics and pragmatics implicit in their programs. But as software becomes more complex, the range of meanings (semantics) and purposes (pragmatics) grows without bounds. The failure to address purpose and meaning explicitly has led to different languages and GUIs for every conceivable purpose. By making meaning and purpose explicit, the designers can relate the bewildering variety of notations to a single semantic form: logic. Internal representations for logic can be any notation that is convenient for computer processing. External representations can be any form that people find convenient: graphics tailored for the applications, controlled versions of whatever natural languages the users speak, or any programming notations the developers happen to prefer. The unifying principle is the common logical form for both internal and external communications. To show how this principle can be implemented, this paper addresses the graphic and language interfaces for the Flexible Modular Framework (FMF) and their use in a semantically integrated development environment.