Flode

Flode is a flowcharting application, using Javascript as its engine, that allows you to:

  • create annotated flowcharts

  • execute flowcharts

  • write proper code expressions, including decisions, in chart elements

  • integrate a debugger

  • export charts as images for project write-ups

  • input and output elements so automated tests can auto-grade charts

flode

Warning

Pair Programming should not be used for Flode assignments.

Creating and editing a new Flode file

If you want to create Flode charts in your content, start by creating either a new project or assignment in your course. You can use any stack.

Once inside a project, to create a new flowchart, simply create a new file with the extension .flode. A new Flode window will appear and you can start creating and editing your chart.

A new file is created from either the File menu or by right-clicking on the project name line in the file tree.

To edit an existing .flode file, simply click on the file name to open the Flode editor.

Dragging in blocks

  • Drag from the top toolbar into the chart.

Connecting blocks with lines

  • Hover over a block to see the connection points

  • Move the mouse over one of the small connection point circles

  • Click and drag with the mouse to start creating the line

  • Release the mouse to move in another direction then click to change direction again or connect to another connection point

Resizing blocks

  • Click on a block then drag a highlighted point

Zooming & centering your chart

  • Zoom controls are in the toolbar or using the mouse wheel if you have one

Multi selection

  • Press the shift key then drag the mouse to surround blocks to multi-select

  • Select one block then press the shift key then start dragging the mouse

Aligning blocks

  • Multi select the blocks to align

  • Right click and select one of the alignment options

Undo & Redo

  • Undo Ctrl+Z (PC) Cmd+Z (Mac)

  • Redo Shift+Ctrl+Z (PC) Shift+Cmd+Z (Mac)

Adding comments

  • Click on a block then press the speech bubble icon to add a comment.

Video overview

Credits

Many thanks to the folks at JGraph for their flowcharting and diagramming tools.