Holon

Database
Views
Structure
Searching
Versions
License
Comments

A Simple Programming System

Holon reduces programming complexity by two simple means:

by storing source text in a database

A program consists of many units (procedures, functions, methods, objects, variables,...). Units are best handled in a database.

by structuring source like a book

Source is meant to be read, books can make reading a pleasure. Holon presents the source text as a hierarchical structure of modules, sections and units.

This is Holon with its own source:

Features

Holon presents three views of the program: List, tree and linear text view.
Comments and source are separated. Only source is passed to the code generator.
The info pane at the right shows the results of searches.
Hypertext links are generated automatically.
Unit-based version control .
Simple Restructuring by moving items, renaming modules and sections.
Easy Refactoring: Holon handles a universe of units.
A project is handled in one file. Simple backups.
The modules are mirrored in source files for the external compiler/interpreter.
Modules are exported and imported as marked-up text files.
Legacy source files can be imported with very little markup.
Interactive testing and code substitution is possible with a cooperating interpreter (e.g. Tcl).

Holon is provided under the MIT License as a self-contained Starpack for Windows.

holon.zip

Unzip the system in a fresh directory, and go!
The system includes a demo program and a user's guide.

Acknowledgement: The development of Holon started as an add-on to Wikit. A little wikit remains. Thanks to Jean-Claude Wippler and friends!