Nassi-Shneiderman charts an alternative to flowcharts for design

Cornelia M. Yoder, Marilyn L. Schrag
1978 Software engineering notes  
In recent years structured programming has emerged as an advanced programming technology. During this time, many tools have been developed for facilitating the programmer% use of 'structured programming. One of these tools, the Structured Flowcharts developed by I. Nassi and B. Shneiderman in 1972, is proving its value in both the design phase and the coding phase of program development. Several programming groups in System Products Division, Endicott, New York, have used the Nassi-Shneiderman
more » ... harts as replacements for conventional flowcharts in structuring programs. The charts have been used extensively on some projects for structured walk-throughs, design reviews, and education. This paper describes the Nassi-Shneiderman charts and provides explanations of their use in programming, in development process control, in walkthroughs, and in testing. It includes an analysis of the value of Nassi-Shneiderman charts compared to other design and documentation methods such as pseudo-code, HIP0 charts, prose, and flowcharts, as well as the authors' experiences in using the Nassi-Shneiderman charts. The paper is intended for a general data processing audience and although no special'knowledge is required, familiarity with structured programming concepts would be helpful. The reader should gain insight into the use of Nassi-Shneiderman charts as part of the total development process.
doi:10.1145/953579.811104 fatcat:kk2dqufpzngsbioftqanr4algy