On a Flow-Based Paradigm in Modeling and Programming

Abstract—In computer science, the concept of flow is reflected in many terms such as data flow, control flow, message flow, information flow, and so forth. Many fields of study utilize the notion, including programming, communication (e.g., Shannon-Weaver communication model), software modeling, artificial intelligence, and knowledge representation. This paper focuses on two approaches that explicitly assert a flow-based paradigm: flow-based programming (FBP) and flowthing modeling (FM). The first is utilized in programming and the latter in modeling (e.g., software development). Each produces a diagrammatic representation, and these are compared. The purpose is to promote progress in a flow-based paradigm and its utilization in the area of computer science. The resultant analysis highlights the fact that FBP and FM can benefit from each other’s methodology. Keywords—flow-based programming; conceptual description; data flow; flowthing model I