Visual program testing for data processing installations - enabling program progess monitoring w.r.t. displayed flow chart using auxiliary programs identifying branch and initial addresses

摘要

A visual method of testing programs of data processing units (computer installations) is designed for easier and more rapid program testing by enabling the structure and performance of a program to be seen on a video display. The condition of system components may also be related to the display. After the program is input to the computer an auxiliary program processes it into characters for display. A further auxiliary program identifies branch and initial addresses during the running of the test program. The progress of the program is indicated by a marker moving w.r.t the displayed flow diagram and intermediate values of parameters or status of storage locations are displayed along with system component status.