# flow chart language > programming language **Wikidata**: [Q15276568](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15276568) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_chart_language) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flow-chart-language ## Summary Flow chart language (FCL) is an imperative programming language created in 1989 by the computer scientist Neil D. Jones. It is classified as an implementation of the imperative programming paradigm, instructing computers through statements that change program state. ## Key Facts - **Aliases:** FCL - **Inception:** 1989 - **Designer:** Neil D. Jones - **Classification:** Imperative programming language - **Programming Paradigm:** Imperative programming - **Designer's Nationality:** United States and Kingdom of Denmark (Danish citizenship acquired in 1991) - **Designer's Birth Date:** March 22, 1941 - **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in English, Persian (fa), and Kara-Kalpak (kaa) ## FAQs ### Q: Who created the flow chart language? A: The flow chart language (FCL) was designed by Neil D. Jones, an American and Danish computer scientist known for his work in programming language theory. ### Q: When was the flow chart language invented? A: The language was inceptioned or first established in 1989. ### Q: What type of programming language is FCL? A: FCL is an imperative programming language, meaning it uses statements to change a program's state, distinct from declarative or functional paradigms. ## Why It Matters Flow chart language (FCL) serves as a notable example of an imperative programming language designed by a prominent figure in computer science, Neil D. Jones. While many languages serve commercial or industrial purposes, FCL is often utilized within academic and theoretical contexts to explore the structures underlying computation. Its existence highlights the diversity of programming paradigms developed in the late 20th century, specifically focusing on the imperative model where programs are composed of sequences of commands. The language is significant for its association with Neil D. Jones, a researcher renowned for his contributions to partial evaluation and programming language complexity. The creation of FCL in 1989 represents a specific period in computing history when the formalization of programming paradigms was rapidly evolving. By defining a language strictly within the imperative class, Jones provided a tool for examining how flow control and state changes operate within software execution. Its inclusion in multiple language editions of Wikipedia (English, Persian, Kara-Kalpak) indicates a recognized, albeit specialized, global footprint in the documentation of computer science history. ## Notable For - **Imperative Classification:** Distinctly categorized as an imperative programming language, focusing on state-changing commands. - **Academic Pedigree:** Designed by Neil D. Jones, a highly respected computer scientist who received Danish knighthood and holds citizenship in both the US and Denmark. - **Specific Timeline:** Originated in 1989, a period rich in the development of structured programming methodologies. - **Concise Design:** Known by the acronym FCL, it is defined specifically by its implementation of the imperative paradigm. ## Body ### Design and Development Flow chart language, abbreviated as **FCL**, is a programming language that was developed in **1989**. It was explicitly designed as an **imperative programming language**, placing it in the same broad category as languages like C, Fortran, and Pascal. In the imperative paradigm, programs are built using statements that act to modify the internal state of the computer, distinguishing it from functional or logic programming styles. The design is attributed to **Neil D. Jones**, a significant figure in the field of computer science. The language's structure and purpose are deeply tied to the concepts of imperative execution, where the focus is on describing *how* a program operates step-by-step. ### Creator: Neil D. Jones Neil D. Jones is an American computer scientist who also holds citizenship in the Kingdom of Denmark (acquired in 1991). Born on March 22, 1941, Jones has had a prolific career not only as a computer scientist but also as a pedagogue and university teacher. His work extends beyond language design into complex areas of computation theory. His recognition includes being named a Danish knight, reflecting his substantial contributions to the scientific community in Denmark and globally. ### Technical Classification FCL is formally classified as an **instance of** an imperative programming language. This classification dictates the language's operational model: - **State-oriented:** Computation proceeds via changes to program state. - **Command-driven:** Code consists of a sequence of commands or instructions. The language is documented across several platforms, evidenced by its Freebase ID (/m/0w18hr5) and its presence on Wikipedia in at least three languages (English, Persian, and Kara-Kalpak).