iFlow

Programming without code

iFlow is a conceptual programming environment for graphically constructing computational solutions to math, science, and engineering problems in a no-code fashion. It lets users focus on the computational and disciplinary nature of the problems in hand, without having to learn any specific programming language.

Like flowcharts, iFlow models a program as a directed graph depicting the logic structure of a computational system and the interactions among its constituents. Unlike flowcharts, nodes and arcs in iFlow are actually functional — they generate computational results.

Code vs. iFlow

To illustrate the point, compare JavaScript and iFlow for making a simulation of a two-dimensional random walk.

JavaScript — a line-by-line structure of interpretable code

let i = 0
let r
while (i < 5000) {
  r = Math.random()
  if (r < 1/4) {
    x = x + 1
  } else if (r < 2/4) {
    x = x - 1
  } else if (r < 3/4) {
    y = y + 1
  } else {
    y = y - 1
  }
  drawPointAt(x, y)
  i++
}
// incomplete — no visualization of the result

iFlow — a graph-based structure of actionable nodes and arcs

With iFlow, users can create a computational solution, observe its execution, and see the result without writing a single line of code. Computational tasks such as physics simulations, biological evolution, and machine learning can be encapsulated into system-provided or user-defined blocks with input and output ports — making them as simple to use as configuring with a graphical interface and connecting them with other blocks.

This philosophy echoes the no-code movement: empower people to build apps without coding, unlocking their creative potential and inviting more into the software workforce — regardless of prior programming experience.