# DRAKON

> algorithmic visual programming and modeling language

**Wikidata**: [Q2671999](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2671999)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRAKON)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/drakon

## Summary
DRAKON is an algorithmic visual programming and modeling language designed for communicating instructions to a machine through graphical representations rather than text. Created in 1996, it utilizes diagrams to define algorithms and logic. The language is supported by specific software tools, utilizing the "DRAKON Editor diagram" format for reading and writing data.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** DRAKON is classified as a programming language and a visual programming language.
- **Inception:** The language was created in 1996.
- **Primary Function:** It serves as an algorithmic visual programming and modeling language.
- **File Format:** The language reads and writes files in the "DRAKON Editor diagram" format.
- **Aliases:** Also known as "Drakon," "Дракон," and "дракон (язык программирования)."
- **Official Website:** The language's dedicated web resource is http://drakon.su.
- **Knowledge Base Presence:** It maintains a Wikidata description and has sitelinks across 14 different language domains, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DRAKON?
A: DRAKON is a visual programming language and modeling tool used to create algorithms. It allows users to communicate instructions to a machine using graphical diagrams instead of traditional text-based code.

### Q: When was DRAKON created?
A: According to sourced records, DRAKON was inceptioned in 1996.

### Q: What file format does DRAKON use?
A: DRAKON utilizes a specific file format known as the "DRAKON Editor diagram" for both reading and writing its data.

### Q: Is DRAKON considered a programming language?
A: Yes, DRAKON is an instance of a programming language, specifically categorized under the visual programming paradigm.

## Why It Matters
DRAKON matters in the field of computer science as a specialized tool that bridges the gap between human logic and machine execution through visual modeling. Unlike standard text-based programming languages, DRAKON prioritizes the visual representation of algorithms, making the flow of control and logic more accessible to humans. This approach reduces the cognitive load often associated with parsing complex syntax, allowing for clearer communication of instructions to the machine.

Its significance is highlighted by its longevity; established in 1996, it has maintained a presence in the technical landscape for decades. The existence of a dedicated editor and a specific file format indicates a robust ecosystem designed for practical application. Furthermore, its multilingual presence on platforms like Wikipedia and Wikidata suggests a diverse, international user base. By serving as both a modeling language and a functional programming tool, DRAKON offers a unique method for structuring algorithms that emphasizes readability and diagrammatic clarity.

## Notable For
- **Visual Paradigm:** Being a visual programming language that uses diagrams to represent code, distinguishing it from text-only languages.
- **Dual Utility:** Functioning simultaneously as a programming language and a modeling language.
- **Russian Origins:** Being known by its Cyrillic alias "Дракон," reflecting its linguistic roots.
- **Dedicated Ecosystem:** possessing its own specific file format and editor software ("DRAKON Editor").
- **Longevity:** Having been established in the mid-1990s (1996) and remaining cataloged in major knowledge bases.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
DRAKON is identified as an algorithmic visual programming and modeling language. It falls under the broad class of "programming language," which is defined as a language for communicating instructions to a machine. Specifically, it operates within the "visual programming language" paradigm. This classification means that rather than typing text, users construct logic using graphical elements.

### History and Origins
The inception of DRAKON is recorded as 1996. The language has a notable presence in Russian-speaking contexts, evidenced by its aliases "Дракон" and "дракон (язык программирования)." The official website for the language is hosted at http://drakon.su.

### Technical Specifications
The technical implementation of DRAKON relies on its own dedicated software tools. The language uses a specific file format identified as "DRAKON Editor diagram." This format is listed as both the readable and writable format for the language, indicating that the primary method of interacting with DRAKON code is through its associated editor.

### Digital Presence
DRAKON is documented across various international knowledge platforms. It has a Wikidata entry and is categorized under "DRAKON" on Wikimedia Commons. The content is available in multiple languages, including Arabic (ar), Greek (el), English (en), Spanish (es), French (fr), Japanese (ja), Norwegian (no), and Portuguese (pt), among others. It currently has 14 sitelinks connecting it to different wiki projects.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013