Abstract: A system and method for specifying a computer program. The specified computer program comprises a set of selected program objects, represented by a corresponding set of outline items arranged in a multilevel outline format. These outline items collectively and completely denote the nature and operation of the specified computer program. Each outline item has a set of predefined characteristics, including a set of required children, and a set of optional children, comprising outline items that must/may be included at the next lower outline level when this outline item is used in a computer program. For each outline item in a computer program an expansion denoting flag denotes whether the corresponding outline item has children and whether the display of those children has been enabled. A selected contiguous portion of the multilevel outline is shown on the computer system's display device, showing only outline items whose display is enabled by corresponding expansion display denoting flags.