RAPTOR Flowchart Code Generator: Generating Code for Java and C++

The RAPTOR tool is a great way to simplify the complexities of programming by visualizing the logic through flowcharts. Flowcharts break down complex processes into clear, visual steps, making it easier to understand the underlying code. In this article, we’ll explore how RAPTOR generates code for Java and C++ from flowcharts.

Code Generation for Java and C++

One of the key features of RAPTOR is its ability to convert flowcharts into actual code. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who are learning to program in Java or C++. After designing your flowchart, RAPTOR can generate the corresponding code snippet, allowing you to see how your visual logic translates into real programming syntax.

Steps to Generate Code

1. Design Your Flowchart: Begin by dragging and dropping different shapes to create your flowchart. Use directional arrows to logically connect them.
2. Input Your Logic: Enter the specific actions or decisions required for each shape in your flowchart.
3. Generate Code: Once the flowchart is complete, click the “Generate Code” option. RAPTOR will generate the corresponding Java or C++ code.

Menu Options

• C++: Select Generate >> C++
• Java: Select Generate >> IT05 Java

Example: Even or Odd Number Check

Let’s look at an example where we want to create a program that checks if a number is even or odd. Here’s how the flowchart for this program would look in RAPTOR:

Create Flowchart:

• Start: Use an oval to mark the beginning of the program.
• Input: Use a rectangle to prompt the user to enter a number.
• Decision: Use a diamond shape to check if the number is divisible by 2.
• Output: Based on the decision, use two rectangles to display whether the number is even or odd.
• End: Use an oval to indicate the end of the program.

Save the Flowchart: Once complete, save the flowchart with the .rap file extension.

Generate Java Code

After completing the flowchart, generate the Java (or C++) code. RAPTOR will output a clean program that mirrors the logic you visualized in your flowchart, making it easier to understand how flowcharts and code align.

Chapter 8: Advanced Flowcharting Techniques

• Arrays and Lists:
  • Introduction to arrays or lists (depending on RAPTOR version).
  • Storing multiple values and accessing them through indices.
• Multidimensional Arrays:
  • How to work with 2D arrays (matrices).
• Example:
  A flowchart that sorts a list of numbers using the bubble sort algorithm.
• File Handling (Advanced):
  • How to read from and write to files in RAPTOR

Chapter 7: Functions and Procedures

• Introduction to Functions:
  • Defining and calling functions in RAPTOR.
  • Functions that take parameters and return values.
• Creating Functions:
  Example: A function that calculates the square of a number.
• Passing Parameters to Functions:
  • How to pass input values to functions.
• Procedures vs. Functions:
  • Difference between functions (which return values) and procedures (which do not return values).
• Example:
  A program that computes the area of a circle using a function.

Chapter 6: Loops (Repetition)

• Introduction to Loops:
  • Looping constructs: For loops, While loops, and Do-While loops.
• For Loops in RAPTOR:
  Example: Displaying numbers from 1 to 10.
• While Loops in RAPTOR:
  Example: Summing numbers until a sentinel value is entered.
• Using Loops for Repetition:
  Creating a program that calculates the factorial of a number using a loop.
• Nested Loops:
  An example of printing a multiplication table using nested loops.

Chapter 5: Decision Making (If Statements)

• Introduction to Decisions:
  • Understanding conditional statements (if-else) using the diamond symbol.
• Creating Decision Logic in RAPTOR:
  Example: Checking if a number is positive, negative, or zero.
• Nested If-Else Statements:
  • Using multiple if-else conditions in one flowchart.
  • Example: Finding the largest of three numbers.
• Boolean Expressions:
  • Logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT in conditions.

Chapter 4: Arithmetic and Assignment Operations

• Basic Arithmetic Operations:
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and modulus.
  • Using variables to store and compute values.
• Assignment Statement:
  • Assigning the result of an operation to a variable.
  • Example: total = num1 + num2.
• Creating a Flowchart:
  A flowchart that computes the area of a rectangle using width and height as inputs.
• Example:
  A program that calculates the average of three numbers entered by the user.

Chapter 3: Input and Output Operations

• Input Symbol:
  Demonstrating how to create input prompts in RAPTOR and store the values in variables.
  Example: Reading two numbers from the user.
• Output Symbol:
  Explaining how to display output messages to the user.
  Example: Displaying the sum of the two numbers entered.
• Using Variables:
  • Introduction to declaring and using variables in RAPTOR.
  • Storing and manipulating user inputs.
• Example Flowchart:
  A simple program that asks the user for their name and age, and then outputs a personalized greeting.

Chapter 2: Basic Flowchart Components

• Flowchart Symbols:
  • Oval: Start/End of the program.
  • Parallelogram: Input/Output operations.
  • Rectangle: Process or action (e.g., variable assignments).
  • Diamond: Decision point (conditional logic).
  • Arrow: Indicates the flow of the program.
• Simple Flowchart Example:
  A basic flowchart example that reads two numbers from the user and displays their sum.
• Creating a Flowchart in RAPTOR:
  Step-by-step guide on how to create and save a basic flowchart in RAPTOR.

 

Chapter 1: Introduction to RAPTOR

• Overview of RAPTOR:
  RAPTOR is a visual programming environment that allows users to design algorithms using flowcharts. It is often used for teaching programming concepts and algorithm design.
  Key Concepts:
  • Flowcharts represent step-by-step solutions to problems.
  • RAPTOR uses symbols like ovals (start/end), parallelograms (input/output), rectangles (process), and diamonds (decision) to build flowcharts.
• Installing RAPTOR:
  Instructions for downloading and installing RAPTOR on different platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux).
  • Go to the official RAPTOR website (www.raptor.martincarlisle.com) to download the software.
• Basic User Interface:
  • Introduction to the RAPTOR IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
  • Key components: the flowchart canvas, menu bar, toolbar, and execution window.