Abstract: A system that detects and resolves circular paths within a graphical flow diagram that represents the logical operation of a corresponding application program. The flow diagram is formed by interconnecting symbolic representations that correspond to program objects configured to execute associated functions in response to corresponding triggering events. The functions of the program objects are called upon and executed by the application program at run-time. At the program objects, a busy indicator is established. When a program object is triggered by its respective event, the object first tests its busy indicator to determine whether it is already in the process of executing its associated function. If not, it proceeds to execute its associated function in response to an earlier triggering event. If, however, the object is already in the process of executing its associated function, then the object is blocked from re-executing in response to this new triggering event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a program-development environment that allows developers to seamlessly switch between a visual programming paradigm and a textual programming paradigm, thereby permitting developers to choose the paradigm best suited for creating each aspect of the desired program. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be generated by the program-development environment, and displayed on the screen of a computer system. The GUI has several elements including a form window and a designer window. The form window is configured to receive one or more control objects selected by the developer, and the designer window is configured to display a symbolic representation of those control objects placed in the form window.