The history of the language, "Dragon"

   Date of publication of the article: 30.11.2006
   Language DRAGON developed jointly by the Russian Space Agency
   (Scientific-Production Center of Automatics and Instrument
   Academician NA Pilyugin, Moscow) and the Russian Academy of
   Sciences (Institute of Applied Mathematics Academician Keldysh,
   Moscow). Language DRAGON was created primarily as a tool that
   provides flawless mutual understanding between people. It is the
   result of a generalization of the experience gained in the
   design of spacecraft "Buran". Graphic language DRAGON
   specifically designed to transform a complex algorithm into a
   simple picture (dragon figure), provides quick and easy
   understanding of the principle of "He looked - and knew right
   away!"

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     1. Part 1 Dragon was born in the cradle of space
     2. Part 2. Language DRAGON opens the gate to the kingdom
        understandable algorithms
     3. Part 3: The path to wisdom. Language of the dragon and the
        fundamental problems of civilization

Part 1. Language "Dragon" was born in the cradle of the space, but
soon grew from a "short space panties"

     Slide 1. Graphic DRAGON language specifically designed to
     transform a complex algorithm into a simple picture (dragon
     figure), provides quick and easy understanding of the
     principle of "He looked - and knew right away!"

  Pilyugin Nicholas and his brainchild. The origins of "dragon"

   Language DRAGON developed jointly by the Russian Space Agency
   (Scientific-Production Center of Automatics and Instrument
   Academician NA Pilyugin, Moscow) and the Russian Academy of
   Sciences (Institute of Applied Mathematics Academician Keldysh,
   Moscow). Academician Nikolai Pilyugin (1908-1982) - the founder
   of the autonomous (fully automatic) control systems of rocket
   and space systems. Being one of the pioneers of astronautics, he
   created the first institution in the country in which the
   developed autonomous control systems for rockets, boosters and
   other space objects. One anniversaries chief sounded line
   dedicated to him:

   Rocket - she is blind goat!

   So that was in it, and the meaning and luster,

   Rocket need to have eyes

   And most importantly - the brain!

   And you are among the eternal worries and noise

   As the first-born mother teaches,

   Taught missiles look and think,

   And that means - to fly!

   The launch of the first satellite in 1957 shocked the world and
   found the Americans by surprise. Yuri Gagarin's flight in 1961
   was a triumph of Soviet science.They bring to life and come true
   fantastic projects of the national hero of the USSR - the
   legendary designer Sergei Korolev. Intellectual support for his
   daring project provides "nervous system" missile - board control
   system, created by Nicholas Pilyugin. Keeping pace with the
   times, translated Pilyugin control system with analog technology
   to digital. This required the development of powerful on-board
   computer systems and sophisticated programming techniques. It
   was soon discovered an unexpected obstacle - intervened in the
   human factor. What complicates the cosmic system, the stronger
   the need for perfect understanding between developers. Lack of
   understanding painful effect on the course of major missile
   projects. Particularly acute problem manifested itself in the
   mutual creation of space complex "Energia-Buran". Looking ahead,
   we say that the language of the dragon was created primarily as
   a tool that provides flawless mutual understanding between
   people. It is the result of summarizing the experience gained in
   the design of spacecraft "Buran".

     2. Slide the American Space Shuttle and the Soviet Buran -
     highly complex space projects. They stimulate creative
     research in many areas of science and high technologies,
     particularly in the area of ??the creation of new programming
     languages. In our country, the end result of these efforts was
     the language of the dragon which soon grew from a "short space
     of panties." Today DRAGON - a powerful tool to improve the
     mind, suitable for describing the structure of human activity
     and algorithms.

  What is intelligent understanding?

   Modern civilization is inconceivable without large-scale
   research and development. Projects are becoming more complex and
   grander. Examples of large projects are spacecraft and the Space
   Shuttle Buran, nuclear power plants and chemical plants.
   Increasingly complex scientific research in theoretical physics,
   biology, medicine, etc. In all such cases, the question arises:
   how to achieve mutual understanding between the subcontractors
   work? The difficulty is that each researcher and developer, each
   participant of the common cause knows only its own, relatively
   small (in size), although very complex (the depth of ideas) work
   area. And quite a vague idea what is going on at the neighbors.
   Hence, mutual misunderstandings, inconsistencies and errors in
   the joints. It is logical to ask: what is the cause of trouble?
   Is it too big resources (human, material, financial and time)
   have to spend to ensure effective interaction between
   professionals involved in working together? Why the large
   research and development is often delayed for months or even for
   years? With these, or about such problems faced developers
   orbiter Buran. Experience Burana shows that the question of
   intellectual understanding professionals often play a key and
   fundamental role and largely determines the success of the case.
   When you create a complex set of airborne and ground-based
   programs have to untwist Burana dodgy tangle of impossibly
   intricate problems. Therefore, the battle comes an army of
   specialists from different professions from many different
   organizations. At the initial stage, these people are very poor
   understanding of each other. This is the case when the
   exorbitant complexity of the problem and the associated
   specialization leads to the ridiculous, but, alas, the real
   paradox when "Enema experts" do not understand "experts on the
   tip." Nevertheless, they create algorithms, is more like a
   primeval algorithmic chaos, torn apart by lightning glaring
   inconsistencies, must eventually become a single filigree
   pattern, managing Buran with fabulous accuracy and reliability.
   Thus, the problem is as old as the world. To avoid the sad fate
   of the builders of the Tower of Babel, a complex project
   participants have to learn very well understand each other.
   Otherwise, numerous errors "at the joints" may prevent the
   success of the development.

     Slide 3. Understanding should be seen as work. It is necessary
     to dramatically increase the productivity of labor (perhaps an
     order of magnitude).It solves this problem "Dragon".

  Where to begin the story of "Dragon"?

   In 1982, Yuri Trunov, head of department of complex
   Pilyuginskogo center (today - General Designer) was made
   responsible for the development of a comprehensive management
   system Burana. Trunov clearly understood: without effective
   algorithmic high-level language development Burana impossible.
   On his initiative - jointly with the Institute of Applied
   Mathematics of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR - it was
   created three languages: PROL2 (for the development of on-board
   integrated programs Burana), dipole (ground-based programs to
   create Burana) and LAX (for modeling). The work led three groups
   of programmers led by Victor Kryukov Vladimir Lutsikovicha and
   Konstantin Fedorov. It was, so to speak, the prehistory of the
   Dragon. Although the language is successfully solve tasks, it
   became clear that specialization prevents the cause of
   languages. In this regard, in 1986 Yuri Trunov summoned the head
   of the laboratory of the complex development of the computer
   system Burana Vladimir Parondzhanova and commissioned him to
   create a universal language, capable of replacing the above
   three.

  Humanitarian language requirements "Dragon"

   However Parondzhanov decided to put the problem differently. He
   believed that the new language must not only meet the practical
   needs of space technology, but also to solve an extremely wide
   range of tasks that go far beyond traditional programming.
   Therefore, when creating a language DRAGON were nominated
   unusual for programmers, mathematicians, and "techies"
   humanitarian requirements. 1. To improve the working of the
   human mind. 2. To propose effective means to describe the
   structure of human activity. 3. Provide a person such language
   tools that dramatically simplifies schayut perception of complex
   procedural problems and communication with the count legami make
   incomprehensible comprehensible and thus literally make people
   think clearly, deeply and productively. In these circumstances,
   the likelihood of mistakes, miscalculations and mistakes
   inevitably falls, and productivity increases. 4. Radically
   facilitate intersectoral and interdisciplinary communication
   between representatives of different organizations, agencies,
   departments, laboratories, scientific schools and professions.
   5. Eliminate or reduce the barriers of misunderstanding between
   workers of different specialties (physicians and physicists,
   mathematicians and designers, biologists and economists, and so
   on. D.), As well as programmers and those who are allergic to
   any programming. 6. To achieve a radical improvement of software
   quality by the criterion of "comprehensibility of algorithms and
   programs." Algorithms and Programs

     Slide 4. Many programmers complain that their own program they
     barely understand half a year or even a month. And if we are
     talking about someone else's program? Then it becomes very
     difficult. Often it is easier to write a program, rather than
     to understand what makes someone else.Therefore, among the
     requirements of the modern algorithmic languages, first place
     goes increasingly udoboponimaemost programs
     (comprehensibility). The latter is defined as a property of
     the program to minimize the intellectual effort required to
     understand it. Language DRAGON aims to provide the best
     possible comprehensibility of algorithms and programs.
     According to the developers, it can become a "champion" among
     the programming languages ??on this criterion.

  Scientific basis of language "Dragon"

   DRAGON is a fundamentally new scientific foundation. It relies
   on "turned inside out" of classical theory Ashcroft-Manna.
   Vladimir Parondzhanov proved that the graphic language syntax
   DRAGON is a graphical logical calculus ("numbered icons"). But
   not the main thing. Every language has a particular mathematical
   flavor. Mathematical rigor - is a mandatory requirement for the
   designers of the language. So the math now nobody will be
   surprised. The principal feature of the dragon, which
   distinguishes it from all known languages, is that it has not
   only mathematics, but also a reliable cognitive ergonomic
   foundation. Parondzhanova merit is that he has shown for the
   first time: * to create a good language a little mathematics; *
   it is necessary to add to it the idea of ??cognitive ergonomics;
   * durable alloy of mathematics and ergonomics provides a
   qualitatively new level algorithmic language, which previously
   could not even dream of. Based on these considerations,
   Parondzhanov proposed to base the language DRAGON
   cognitive-ergonomic methods of formalization of professional
   knowledge. *

     Slide 5. Understanding the algorithms and complex work
     processes can be greatly alleviated if used to describe the
     language of dragons.Ergonomics - the science of human factors.
     Cognitive Ergonomics helps to create a completely new visual
     presentation of professional knowledge to create the most
     intelligent comfort for the eyes and the brain.

   [1][IMG]
   Slide 6. Language DRAGON delivers exceptional clarity and
   unprecedented visibility algorithms. In these circumstances, the
   likelihood of hidden algorithmic errors and caused them trouble
   and accidents is reduced many times over. Figuratively speaking,
   holding error in the algorithm as it jumps out of an algorithmic
   drawing (dragon-circuit), the developer gets punched in the nose
   and a booming voice shouting: "Notice me!".

  Who developed system software "Dragon"?

   Developing the ideas of Victor and Vladimir Kryukov Lutsikovicha
   (Institute of Applied Mathematics), employees Pilyuginskogo
   center started to develop compilers and other software programs
   DRAGON. The work was conducted in the department of Constantine
   Fedorov. The biggest contribution was made by the creative head
   of the laboratory system programming Baltru*aitis Vladislav and
   Sergey Kashin Alexander Semenov and others. Development was in
   an atmosphere of sharp disagreements. Under one roof gathered
   outstanding creative personalities, and each had his own point
   of view on the future nature of language and the way of its
   development. The debate raged until midnight. Although it never
   came to blows, but the profanity shook the building to the
   ground. It is possible that it was the most scandalous
   development of algorithmic language in the history of such
   works. Fortunately, violent verbal skirmishes and deafening
   scandals prevented the progress of work. Moreover, they are,
   paradoxically, contributed to the birth of new ideas and
   discoveries. However, it is not surprising - in disputes truth
   is born!

     Slide 7. Language Dragon versatile and can be used in all
     areas of human activity, such as in medicine. The slide
     presented a medical algorithm "First aid for chemical burns to
     the eye fluid," written in the language of dragons. This
     algorithm is interesting because it does not require
     translation. We have before us the instruction for a family
     doctor (GP), which should give first aid for chemical burns to
     the eyes. Talking about the translation in this case is
     meaningless. Until now, programmers and mathematicians ignored
     these instructions - it is, they say, not algorithms.From the
     perspective of the philosophy of language DRAGON, is not the
     case. Such instructions should be viewed as non-classical
     algorithms (which require ergonomic formalization). The
     principal novelty of the Dragon is that it provides a standard
     means of expression for the classical algorithms (when
     translation is required), and for non-classical (when the
     broadcast is not needed).

  The split in the camp of developers "Dragon"

   Meanwhile, tension grew. Ideological differences reached
   unprecedented sharpness and led to a split. A group of
   "dissidents" led by Gennady Gulenkov (Pilyuginsky center) and
   Leonid Eisymont (Institute of Applied Mathematics). Together
   with them, we worked Chief of the Vladimir Hill, Lyudmila
   Vlasova, Sergey Shcherbakov, Larissa Tyurin, Alexander Kopylov,
   Victor Mironov, Alexander Rusanov Sergei Shmakov and others.
   What are the differences? Group Fedorov-Baltrushaitis defended a
   simplified version of the language DRAGON (which was called
   graphite). "Dissident" group Gulenkova-Eisymont (supported by
   one of the leaders of the center Vladimir Morozov Pilyuginskogo)
   defended the full-sized project of the Dragon. This option, of
   course, was more promising.

  The collapse of the Soviet Union undercut the dragon wings

   Unfortunately, the "dissidents" suffered a disaster. That's when
   collapsed one of the greatest powers in the world (USSR). The
   economy of the new Russia was in ruins. After the first flight
   of Buran brilliant events took an unexpected turn. On the eve of
   full readiness for the second top flight came to a tragic order
   "to cancel the flight!". Due to lack of money all the work on
   the project "Energy-Buran" were first preserved, and then
   completely stopped. Forever. Forever. Funding for space
   development in the new Russia has fallen to almost zero.
   Pilyuginskim close cooperation between the center and the
   Institute of Applied Mathematics, which was built for decades,
   was almost completely destroyed. It is worth remembering that
   the firm Pilyugina many years has been a reliable source of
   funding for the Institute of Applied Mathematics, receiving in
   exchange the priceless intellectual services and development.
   But now it has come to an end. Money valve was closed.
   Pilyuginsky center became almost bankrupt. He could no longer
   feed the Institute of Mathematics. As a result, a group of
   programmers Leonid Eisymont (IPM) was left without a livelihood.
   And he was forced to stop work on the dragon, switching to
   paying customers.

     Slide 8. Termination of work on the Buran hit hard DRAGON by
     developers. The situation became critical.

  The dragon has risen from the ashes, like a phoenix

   However, there is a blessing in disguise. During this period,
   the head of a complex division Pilyuginskogo center is Vladimir
   Morozov. He was appointed head of the department of programming
   energetic leader Hermann Kostochkina.Work on the creation of
   software Dragon became sharply grow. Left without help from the
   Institute of Applied Mathematics, Vladislav Baltru*aitis and his
   team decided to conquer the summit alone. It was incredibly
   difficult. But they have done the impossible. By 1998, all the
   work on system programming has been completed. On the basis of
   the Dragon was built automated technology software design ( CASE
   -technology) under the working title "Graphite-Phlox." DRAGON
   technology includes an extensive set of software tools: a
   procedural editor declarative editor, database compiler, the
   analyzer, code generator, etc.

     Slide 9. Algorithm "First aid for chemical burns to the eye
     fluid" consists of three branches.Branch - most large
     algorithmic design language of dragons.It has no analogues in
     other languages.The branch provides a very convenient and
     intuitive structuring algorithm.(We continue to consider a
     medical algorithm to demonstrate the ability of Dragon to
     describe algorithms and procedural expertise in all areas of
     professional activity, not just in space).

     Slide 10. Fragment of the first branch of medical algorithm
     "First aid for chemical burns to the eyes"

     Slide 11. Fragment of the second branch of medical algorithm
     "First aid for chemical burns to the eyes"

     Slide 12. Fragment of the third branch of medical algorithm
     "First aid for chemical burns to the eyes"

  Baptism of fire dragon

   Development DRAGON lasted about fifteen years. Individual
   elements of the dragon-technology already used Buran. But it was
   mostly "paper" Dragon.Algorithms were compiled on paper in the
   form of a dragon-circuits and programming languages ??was
   conducted in PROL2, dipoles and LAX. The first automatic dragon
   technology has been tested in the software development of
   autonomous and integrated tests of the international space
   project "Sea Launch* (Sea Launch). The project involved the
   United States, Norway, Russia and Ukraine. Missile launches were
   made from a floating launch platform, located on the equator in
   the western Pacific Ocean near the islands of Kiribati. Launch
   control was carried out with a nearby assembly and command ship.
   For each start the starting platform and the assembly and
   command ship is sea voyage from a base located on the US West
   Coast, to the islands of Kiribati, and then come back. The
   results of the application of technology dragon appeared shiny.
   They exceeded all expectations. After that, the
   dragon-technology was used in the Russian-French space project
   "Fregat", as well as the modernization of the carrier rocket
   "Proton-M". Since the results were consistently high, management
   Pilyuginskogo center decided to use Dragon technology in all
   future projects.

     Slide 13. The graphic language alphabet dragon. It contains
     twenty-three grafoelementa (23 icons). However, this amount is
     sufficient to display a visual drawing procedural expertise
     and algorithms related to any area of ??professional activity.

   WHAT highlight of the dragon? The disadvantage of the
   traditional approach is that the creators of languages ??and
   computer systems often start to work at the wrong end and
   putting the cart before the horse. As pointed out by the
   psychologist Donald Norman, "they too often end up with the car,
   but the man only think in the end, when it's too late." To avoid
   such mistakes in the development of language DRAGON was chosen a
   completely different approach. It was declared a strategic goal:
   to create the most comfortable conditions for work of the human
   intellect, to provide the best The possibility to increase the
   efficiency of collective intelligence specialists sheets. In
   accordance with this program setting has been set the task to
   create a public, very easy to learn and easy to use language
   that allows to solve algorithmic problems at the cost of minimal
   intellectual effort. The language that is because of their
   primordial orientation of a person could become a truly
   "national "t. e.," mother "for specialists virtually any profile
   (not just programmers). With this DRAGON able to play the role
   of "Esperanto for the business world." Mutual understanding of
   professionals can significantly improve if the representatives
   of different professions will display their procedural knowledge
   in the language of dragons.

  programming without programmers

   DRAGON - a very easy language.So easy that many developing
   computer programs for space rockets in practice are not
   programmers, and those of ordinary skill (kompleksniki). They
   operate on the principle of "programming without programmers."
   The reason for not programmers simple.When solving practical
   applications specialists possess material thoroughly and knows
   posing s Tasks. In contrast, the programmers do not know, "the
   physics of the process" and become "superfluous men", without
   which it is possible to do. This can significantly reduce costs,
   improve the performance of "cost-benefit" to accelerate the
   work. And to get rid of errors "broken telephone" caused by
   mutual misunderstandings between programmers and specialists.

     Slide 14. The figure of a man, we perceive the simultaneous,
     ie simultaneously, completely and quickly. Our brain has
     neural mechanisms for this perception. The same mechanisms are
     used in the perception of the dragon-circuits.

     Slide 15. Dragon scheme is somewhat similar to the human
     figure. She is also the top - hat, and the bottom - "shoes."
     The only difference is that the "shoes" have another name -
     "address"

     Slide 16. Cap dragon scheme - an extremely effective tool
     providing structuring dragon scheme and partitioning algorithm
     into semantic parts -branches . Ergonomic trick is that the
     cap , divining the secret desire of the reader, giving him a
     strong clue - the answer to all the "royal" questions. Here
     are the answers to a medical algorithm.

   * What is the problem? (Read the title of the algorithm). First
   aid for chemical burns to the eye fluid. * How many parts is it?
   (We consider the icon "branch name"). Of the three. * What is
   the name each part? (read the text in the icons "branch name").
   1. Rinsing with water. 2. eyewash converter. 3. Drug treatment.
   Additional ergonomic convenience due to the fact that the cap
   takes "ceremonial" a place at the top of the drawing, and the
   names of semantic units are placed inside special frames unique
   form that is easy to find the eye. With this cap immediately
   attracts the attention of the reader without any effort on his
   part. This is very im

References

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