From Syntax to Sketch: Visualizing Code for Enhanced Comprehension with Focus on Cybersecurity

Raul Zaharia, Dragoș Gavriluț

2025

Abstract

The ability to form the mental model of programming concepts is difficult for beginners. In this paper, we introduce “RZData”, a novel tool designed to leverage visual representations of the code, similar to what a tutor would draw, to provide a more suitable learning environment. It transforms source code into interactive visual sketches, enabling users to see what is happening at every step. The tool provides means for both learning and evaluation in a dynamic manner, using dynamic questions. It also incorporates courses with embedded cybersecurity concepts, providing a goal of learning programming while also using secure coding practices. The visualization process highlights potential vulnerabilities and teaches the users how to deal with them.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Zaharia R. and Gavriluț D. (2025). From Syntax to Sketch: Visualizing Code for Enhanced Comprehension with Focus on Cybersecurity. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-746-7, SciTePress, pages 752-759. DOI: 10.5220/0013295000003932

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu25,
author={Raul Zaharia and Dragoș Gavriluț},
title={From Syntax to Sketch: Visualizing Code for Enhanced Comprehension with Focus on Cybersecurity},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2025},
pages={752-759},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013295000003932},
isbn={978-989-758-746-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - From Syntax to Sketch: Visualizing Code for Enhanced Comprehension with Focus on Cybersecurity
SN - 978-989-758-746-7
AU - Zaharia R.
AU - Gavriluț D.
PY - 2025
SP - 752
EP - 759
DO - 10.5220/0013295000003932
PB - SciTePress