The CAITLIN Auralization System: Hierarchical Leitmotif Design as a Clue to Program Comprehension

TL;DR

The paper explores how hierarchical musical signatures in the CAITLIN auralization system can potentially communicate program structure and state, aiding program comprehension through auditory cues.

Contribution

It introduces a hierarchical leitmotif design in program auralization, linking musical signatures to program features for improved understanding.

Findings

Hierarchical leitmotifs reflect program structure

Preliminary experiments suggest potential for auditory communication of program features

Future results will evaluate effectiveness in conveying program information

Abstract

Early experiments have suggested that program auralization can convey information about program structure [8]. Languages like Pascal contain classes of construct that are similar in nature allowing hierarchical classification of their features. This taxonomy can be reflected in the design of musical signatures which are used within the CAITLIN program auralization system. Experiments using these hierarchical leitmotifs indicate whether or not their similarities can be put to good use in communicating information about program structure and state. (Note, at time of going to press experimental results could not be included. These will be presented at the conference and included later.)