University of Houston

In this thesis, we present the RuleMaker System which is a visualization approach of rule-based Programming. Compared to traditional rule-based programming, RuleMaker provides an intuitive graphical interface to reduce programming effort and help developers focus on rule structure rather than rule syntax. Creating graphical modules by simple drag-and-drop, programmers can implement algorithms quickly without dealing with tedious language issues. RuleMaker allows developers to edit, modify and delete the rule-based graphs. By connecting with LRR (Laboratory for Rapid Term Rewriting), the visualization approach hides the computation detail information from the developer. The system is useful in teaching theory of computation and declarative programming courses.