Patent US 4,833,641

Data processing for an improved description of the logical structure of a large computer programs supervises, implements and coordinates a collection of informational words numerically describing links between different individually numbered portions of the computer program. These portions are called logical parts. Each link represents a transfer of control from one logical part through its exit to the entrance of another logical part. Each informational word contains at least seven numbers; of which three numbers--a logical part number, an exit number, a program line number of the exit--describing the exit of one logical part, the other three numbers describing the entrance of the linked logical part, and the last number describing the location of the informational word in the collection. A search of informational words of the collection is performed to provide a hard copy printouts of informational words in different sequences and combinations, creating a set of lists of informational words numerically describing the logical structure of a computer program, and substituting conventional graphical descriptions of the logical structure. Whenever a program is modified to the extent which effects the logical structure, the corresponding informational words of the collection are amended and a new daughter collection is created, which is used to printout a new set of lists of informational words describing the new logical structure. A program map based on the numerical description of the logical structure is used to specify amendments of informational words. The numerical description of the logical structure helps to easily read and modify a computer program of any size and complexity.