Community-Building for Algot
(Issue 4 / 2024) The revolutionary no-code programming method Algot enables people with and without programming experience to develop complex software. The ALGOT project is building a vibrant community focused on applications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Researchers from HCT Research are driving the dissemination of the revolutionary no-code programming method Algot and fostering a vibrant Algot community focused on SMEs within the Interreg-ABH project ALGOT.
What is new about this programming method?
Developing customised software usually requires advanced skills in software development and knowledge of several programming languages. Large companies have their own IT development departments for this purpose. However, skilled professionals are scarce, and SMEs often cannot afford an in-house IT department, so they have to outsource development tasks. This is where Algot comes in.
Algot, developed at ETH Zurich, is a programming method that requires no written code at all. Using a visual interface, programs are created according to programming logic through direct manipulation. Developers do not need to manage data structures, declarations, or textual syntax. Thus, Algot is suitable for people with little or no programming experience to develop both simple and complex software. This also benefits computer science students in their early semesters by allowing them to focus on algorithmics and problem-solving rather than syntax.
FHV expertise for ALGOT
Researchers from HCT Research involved in the project aim to build an active community, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Lake Constance region. While the project focuses on raising awareness, the following user scenarios illustrate the potential of the Algot no-code programming method.
User Scenario 1 | Laura, a student, finds programming easier with visual feedback
Laura Bitsche, 19 years old and a first-semester computer science student, was fascinated from the start by the logical structure of algorithms and the structured approach to problem-solving. However, her initial programming experiences were mostly consumed by declarations, data structures, and syntax errors, which frustrated her. At a recent hackathon, she discovered Algot, which allowed her to focus on understanding and solving problems through visual representations. Her successes with Algot motivated her to explore higher-level programming languages in her second semester.
User Scenario 2 | Klaus, a self-employed entrepreneur, simplifies his administrative tasks with Algot
Klaus Maier founded a startup two years ago offering sustainable decorative objects made from local wood. These unique and customisable products have already found good sales, allowing him to employ three staff. He urgently needed software to manage and showcase his products. Since market offerings did not meet his needs, he decided to develop a solution himself. Using Algot, he successfully created the software, greatly simplifying his administrative tasks. At a networking event, he shared his experiences with other startups who showed strong interest. Encouraged by the positive feedback, he now plans to establish an Algot user group to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Building the Algot community
The community development follows three project phases:
Community building and playful applications: Hackathons, challenges, and other events are organised to demonstrate Algot’s versatility.
Industry-specific use cases: Results from the first phase are applied to real scenarios and use cases for associated organisations. Workshops and courses are offered to specialised audiences in specific industries.
Potential analysis and developer community: Insights from the previous phases are evaluated comprehensively in a potential analysis. The established community continues to be supported by providing code examples and organising further events.
Cooperation with Swiss universities
Algot is developed at ETH Zurich. Another partner is the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). The project is funded by Interreg ABH.
Research Centre Human Centred Technologies
