This paper describes a limited graphical programming system. Programs in the PICT environment use, for example, at most four different numerical variables in each program or subprogram. The authors describe the system as follows: “PICT provides all tools users need to compose, edit, and run their programs integrated within a simple, consistent command structure. Users communicate with the PICT system throughout all phases of their work by pointing to icons in a menu tree; PICT responds by altering its display in an appropriate manner or, if the user has erred, by presenting a Help message.”

As admitted by the authors, the limited scope/capabilities of the PICT system restrict its use to research and beginners. They experimented with over 60 volunteer student users of PICT at the University of Washington. In a nonrigorous, but informative, manner they report on that experimentation.

This 19-page article is approximately one-third background, one-third a description of PICT, and the rest an analysis and projection of future work. The authors do a good job of laying the foundation for research in graphical programming environments, as several similar and dissimilar efforts are mentioned. It could be a very useful reference for someone starting to explore graphical programming environments, especially since it includes 42 references to other relevant articles and books.