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Documents authored by Costa Neto, Alvaro

Document
DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2023.13
Characterization and Identification of Programming Languages

Authors: Júlio Alves, Alvaro Costa Neto, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques

Published in: OASIcs, Volume 113, 12th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2023)

Abstract
This paper presents and discusses a research work whose main goal is to identify which characteristics influence the recognition and identification, by a programmer, of a programming language, specifically analysing a program source code and its linguistic style. In other words, the study that is described aims at answering the following questions: which grammatical elements - including lexical, syntactic, and semantic details - contribute the most for the characterization of a language? How many structural elements of a language may be modified without losing its identity? The long term objective of such research is to acquire new insights on the factors that can lead language engineers to design new programming languages that reduce the cognitive load of both learners and programmers. To elaborate on that subject, the paper starts with a brief explanation of programming languages fundamentals. Then, a list of the main syntactic characteristics of a set of programming languages, chosen for the study, is presented. Those characteristics outcome from the analysis we carried on at first phase of our project. To go deeper on the investigation we decided to collect and analyze the opinion of other programmers. So, the design of a survey to address that task is discussed. The answers obtained from the application of the questionnaire are analysed to present an overall picture of programming languages characteristics and their relative influence to their identification from the programmers’ perspective.
Cite as

Júlio Alves, Alvaro Costa Neto, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques. Characterization and Identification of Programming Languages. In 12th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2023). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 113, pp. 13:1-13:13, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2023)

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@InProceedings{alves_et_al:OASIcs.SLATE.2023.13,
  author =	{Alves, J\'{u}lio and Costa Neto, Alvaro and Pereira, Maria Jo\~{a}o Varanda and Henriques, Pedro Rangel},
  title =	{{Characterization and Identification of Programming Languages}},
  booktitle =	{12th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2023)},
  pages =	{13:1--13:13},
  series =	{Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-291-4},
  ISSN =	{2190-6807},
  year =	{2023},
  volume =	{113},
  editor =	{Sim\~{o}es, Alberto and Ber\'{o}n, Mario Marcelo and Portela, Filipe},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2023.13},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-185273},
  doi =		{10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2023.13},
  annote =	{Keywords: Programming Languages, Programming Language Characterization, Programming Language Design, Programming Language Identification}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2023.9
NLP/AI Based Techniques for Programming Exercises Generation

Authors: Tiago Carvalho Freitas, Alvaro Costa Neto, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques

Published in: OASIcs, Volume 112, 4th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2023)

Abstract
This paper focuses on the enhancement of computer programming exercises generation to the benefit of both students and teachers. By exploring Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) methods for automatic generation of text and source code, it is possible to semi-automatically construct programming exercises, aiding teachers to reduce redundant work and more easily apply active learning methodologies. This would not only allow them to still play a leading role in the teaching-learning process, but also provide students a better and more interactive learning experience. If embedded in a widely accessible website, an exercises generator with these Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods might be used directly by students, in order to obtain randomised lists of exercises for their own study, at their own time. The emergence of new and increasingly powerful technologies, such as the ones utilised by ChatGPT, raises the discussion about their use for exercise generation. Albeit highly capable, monetary and computational costs are still obstacles for wider adoption, as well as the possibility of incorrect results. This paper describes the characteristics and behaviour of several ML models applied and trained for text and code generation and their use to generate computer programming exercises. Finally, an analysis based on correctness and coherence of the resulting exercise statements and complementary source codes generated/produced is presented, and the role that this type of technology can play in a programming exercise automatic generation system is discussed.
Cite as

Tiago Carvalho Freitas, Alvaro Costa Neto, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques. NLP/AI Based Techniques for Programming Exercises Generation. In 4th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2023). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 112, pp. 9:1-9:12, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2023)

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@InProceedings{freitas_et_al:OASIcs.ICPEC.2023.9,
  author =	{Freitas, Tiago Carvalho and Costa Neto, Alvaro and Pereira, Maria Jo\~{a}o Varanda and Henriques, Pedro Rangel},
  title =	{{NLP/AI Based Techniques for Programming Exercises Generation}},
  booktitle =	{4th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2023)},
  pages =	{9:1--9:12},
  series =	{Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-290-7},
  ISSN =	{2190-6807},
  year =	{2023},
  volume =	{112},
  editor =	{Peixoto de Queir\'{o}s, Ricardo Alexandre and Teixeira Pinto, M\'{a}rio Paulo},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2023.9},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-185058},
  doi =		{10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2023.9},
  annote =	{Keywords: Natural Language Processing, Computer Programming Education, Exercises Generation, Text Generation, Code Generation}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2022.14
The Visual Programming Environment ROBI for Educational Robotics

Authors: Gustavo Galvão, Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, and Pedro Rangel Henriques

Published in: OASIcs, Volume 104, 11th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2022)

Abstract
This paper presents the outcomes of a research project focused on the training of Computational Thinking, resorting to a block-based visual programming language created to program an Arduino Uno based robot. To support the design and implementation of the visual programming environment Robi, we start discussing the relevance of Educational Robotics to motivate and engage children in programming activities. Students usually face great difficulties to learn computer programming and it is nowadays accepted that young people shall be trained in Computational Thinking to acquire the skills necessary to easily solve problems within and beyond the realm of Computer Science and Engineering. The resolution of obstacles imposed by the costs and reduced availability of typical Educational Robotics kits, in combination with the benefits of existing block-based programming languages, like simplicity and intuitiveness, motivated the project here reported and analyzed. We aim at showing that Robi, a visual block-based programming language and robot programming environment, provides an easy, accessible and intuitive platform to learn how to solve problems programming a computer and support the training of Computational Thinking.
Cite as

Gustavo Galvão, Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, and Pedro Rangel Henriques. The Visual Programming Environment ROBI for Educational Robotics. In 11th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2022). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 104, pp. 14:1-14:15, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2022)

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@InProceedings{galvao_et_al:OASIcs.SLATE.2022.14,
  author =	{Galv\~{a}o, Gustavo and Costa Neto, Alvaro and Ara\'{u}jo, Cristiana and Rangel Henriques, Pedro},
  title =	{{The Visual Programming Environment ROBI for Educational Robotics}},
  booktitle =	{11th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2022)},
  pages =	{14:1--14:15},
  series =	{Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-245-7},
  ISSN =	{2190-6807},
  year =	{2022},
  volume =	{104},
  editor =	{Cordeiro, Jo\~{a}o and Pereira, Maria Jo\~{a}o and Rodrigues, Nuno F. and Pais, Sebasti\~{a}o},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2022.14},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-167600},
  doi =		{10.4230/OASIcs.SLATE.2022.14},
  annote =	{Keywords: Programming Languages, Visual Languages, Computer Programming, Educational Robotics}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2022.1
Value-Focused Investigation into Programming Languages Affinity

Authors: Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques

Published in: OASIcs, Volume 102, Third International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2022)

Abstract
The search for better techniques to teach computer programming is paramount in order to improve the students' learning experiences. Several approaches have been proposed throughout the years, usually through technical solutions such as evaluation systems, digital classrooms, interactive lessons and so on. Personal factors, such as affinity, have been largely unexplored due to their qualitative and abstract nature. The results of a preliminary survey on how and why affinity is created between programmers and their favorite languages, conducted on a master’s degree class at Universidade do Minho, showed unexpected results as to which languages became favorites and the possible reasons for the students' choices. Aiming at further exploration on this topic and continuation of this research, the Value-Focused Thinking method was applied in order to construct a more complex, in-depth survey. This value-oriented method kept focus under control and even raised a handful of opportunities to improve the research as a whole. This paper describes the Value-Focused Thinking method and how it was applied to construct a new and deeper computer programming education survey to understand affinity with languages.
Cite as

Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques. Value-Focused Investigation into Programming Languages Affinity. In Third International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2022). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 102, pp. 1:1-1:12, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2022)

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@InProceedings{costaneto_et_al:OASIcs.ICPEC.2022.1,
  author =	{Costa Neto, Alvaro and Ara\'{u}jo, Cristiana and Pereira, Maria Jo\~{a}o Varanda and Henriques, Pedro Rangel},
  title =	{{Value-Focused Investigation into Programming Languages Affinity}},
  booktitle =	{Third International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2022)},
  pages =	{1:1--1:12},
  series =	{Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-229-7},
  ISSN =	{2190-6807},
  year =	{2022},
  volume =	{102},
  editor =	{Sim\~{o}es, Alberto and Silva, Jo\~{a}o Carlos},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2022.1},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-166051},
  doi =		{10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2022.1},
  annote =	{Keywords: Computer Programming, Programming Languages, Affinity, Education, Learning, Value-Focused Thinking}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2021.3
Programmers' Affinity to Languages

Authors: Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques

Published in: OASIcs, Volume 91, Second International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2021)

Abstract
Students face several challenges when learning computer programming languages, a central topic to acquire programming skills. While those challenges that present a predominantly technical nature have been intensely studied by researchers along the years, the ones that are concerned with qualitative, and personal aspects have not. Affinity to a programming language is one of the many personal factors that may contribute to surpass these qualitative aspects that describe the difficulties that students face. From this point-of-view, this paper presents a proposal for treating and studying programmers' affinity to programming languages as an important factor for learning computer programming. It also reports a preliminary questionnaire conducted on a master’s degree class at Universidade do Minho that showed that affinity may have a broader relation to learning computer programming than anticipated. Finally, a set of relevant questions are stated to compose a future inquiry aimed at deepening the knowledge on the affinity between programmers and languages, paving the way for following research.
Cite as

Alvaro Costa Neto, Cristiana Araújo, Maria João Varanda Pereira, and Pedro Rangel Henriques. Programmers' Affinity to Languages. In Second International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2021). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 91, pp. 3:1-3:7, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2021)

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@InProceedings{costaneto_et_al:OASIcs.ICPEC.2021.3,
  author =	{Costa Neto, Alvaro and Ara\'{u}jo, Cristiana and Pereira, Maria Jo\~{a}o Varanda and Henriques, Pedro Rangel},
  title =	{{Programmers' Affinity to Languages}},
  booktitle =	{Second International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2021)},
  pages =	{3:1--3:7},
  series =	{Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-194-8},
  ISSN =	{2190-6807},
  year =	{2021},
  volume =	{91},
  editor =	{Henriques, Pedro Rangel and Portela, Filipe and Queir\'{o}s, Ricardo and Sim\~{o}es, Alberto},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2021.3},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-142192},
  doi =		{10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2021.3},
  annote =	{Keywords: Computer programming, Programming Languages, Affinity, Education, Learning}
}
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