Abstract: A system and method for generating a consistent graphical expression of source code which is independent of the source language and of a particular programmer's style. The system first provides an intermediary pattern language which is source language independent into which the source code is translated. This pattern language is directly mapped to a set of predetermined graphical patterns having a series of attributes. The pattern language is nested in the sense that certain expressions may contain certain other expressions. This translates directly to graphical containment. Attributes are computed starting with the most nested parts of the pattern language translation. The attributes of the more nested parts having been thus computed may be used in the computation of the attributes of less nested parts of the expression. Once all attributes are computed, a mapping to display directives is performed, and a graphical engine produces an actual display.