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Re: flow charting or organizing tool

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On 8/20/2016 3:35 AM, Evertjan. wrote:
> wmgill <webworker1950@gmail.com> wrote on 20 Aug 2016 in
> comp.lang.javascript:
>
>> I am working on a small project that involves using JavaScript in the
>> client, and php in the server. I need to organize what needs to be done
>> and where it needs to be done to help me map things out before just
>> jumping into the code. I have a couple flow charting programs, but they
>> seem to be more of a distraction, than a help. I even tried my own mix
>> of pseudo code & outlining, but that doesn't really help. Does anybody
>> have any good suggestions for tools to help me organize and see what I
>> need to do before I just code as I go?
>
> Think modular. Test modular.
>
> Use your brain in that way.
> Sleep on it, older brains are more lucid after a good sleep.
>
> Recognize if you have visual concepts of your programming,
> and only if so use paper and pencil.
>
>> It doesn't need to be fancy, but I should be able to add and remove
>> blocks or elements without having to start all over every time.
>
> Programme modular.
> Define the inputs and ouputs of your modules.
> Build temporary container that test single modules.
>
> And yes, indeed, getting grasp of what you really want your programme to do
> often comes up during this period, this feels like an autorelevation, and
> starting all over pays of.
>
> However using older finished modules that fit the new concept does not
> always hurt.
>
> ==================
>
> I, using serverside ASP, often [temporarily] put the modules in seperate
> files, using a skeleton final file with include statements.
>
> Testing a new module in-place only needs a renaming of the modules filename,
> while saving older versions.
>
> ===================
>
> Yes, I suppose you really asked for a programme to [help you] do your work,
> may be they are out there, I only expect a decent code-colouring text/file-
> editor with project-defining capabilities to help me. I use Editpad-pro.
>

Forgive the unedited quote, but I couldn't determine where and what to 
reply to short of responding to everything as a whole.

Your suggestions are fine, and I already employ many of these techniques 
(modular code, code reuse, etc). However what I'm looking for is a tool 
to aid me in the macro view of things. As it is now I am using a large 
white board with post-it notes and diagrams to arrange all the pieces 
(modules, etc) and their flow/interaction on a macro view concept map. 
My older brain has learned that having a physical image in lieu of a 
mental map is much more reliable, and resilient.  Once this is done I 
have a better understanding of the inputs and outputs of each module. In 
the old days (long before Object Oriented Programing) I used to call 
this "black-boxing." I didn't need to know what went on inside each box, 
just what went in, and what came out. I could distribute the design of 
each box to a different team who did not need to know what any other 
team was doing. This technique isn't limited to coding, it also worked 
well with electronic and mechanical equipment design.

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flow charting or organizing tool wmgill <webworker1950@gmail.com> - 2016-08-20 01:27 -0400
  Re: flow charting or organizing tool "Evertjan." <exxjxw.hannivoort@inter.nl.net> - 2016-08-20 09:35 +0200
    Re: flow charting or organizing tool wmgill <webworker1950@gmail.com> - 2016-08-22 14:24 -0400
      Re: flow charting or organizing tool "Evertjan." <exxjxw.hannivoort@inter.nl.net> - 2016-08-22 21:00 +0200

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