The Howdy Glossary

Blue is a visual programming language founded on flowcharts, leveraging the .NET Framework libraries to support web, desktop, and service applications. This graphical coding approach helps developers visualize their code, making it an excellent educational tool for introducing object-oriented concepts without syntax errors typical of text-based languages. Created by Steven Halim and his team at the National University of Singapore, Blue aids beginners before transitioning to more conventional languages like Python or Java.

Distinctive for its focus on flowchart-based visual modeling, Blue simplifies code comprehension and execution compared to traditional text-based languages. This user-friendly feature enhances the learning experience for novices while enabling the development of various application types thanks to its integration with .NET Framework libraries. Blue's unique position as an educational tool provides a smooth introduction to programming concepts, setting it apart from competitors like Scratch or Blockly which also offer visual coding environments but lack this particular emphasis on flowcharts.

Blue competes within both visual programming environments such as Scratch, Blockly, and Alice—which are popular in educational settings—and traditional text-based languages like Python and C++. Despite this competition, its innovative approach using flowcharts combined with robust application development capabilities through .NET Framework libraries gives Blue a niche appeal. Its role as a stepping stone for newcomers transitioning into more complex programming languages further solidifies its value in education and entry-level development contexts. These elements collectively make Blue an attractive option for those new to coding seeking an intuitive start in software development.