This study applies a programmatic paradigm taxonomy to a comparison of two programming environments: Decodes and DesignScript, and yields a set of suggested guidelines for the context-appropriate application of each of these paradigms.

Distinctions between approaches to programming for design applications are marked by the split between Visual Programming Languages (VPLs) and Textual Programming Languages (TPLs). While this distinction has proven useful in characterizing the applicability of programming languages to design applications, it struggles to address languages that hybridize visual and textual modes, and cannot account for other structural features beyond user interface. An alternative ontology, differentiated by programmatic paradigm suggests an improved method of assessment. This study applies a programmatic paradigm taxonomy to two programming environments: Decodes and DesignScript. The former is a domain-specific TPL that exhibits qualities of an Imperative Programing Language (IPL) and an Object-Oriented Programming Language (OOPL). The latter, a VPL-TPL hybrid allows users to move between IPL, OOPL, and Functional Programming Language (FPL) modes. Proceeding through the analysis of case studies, this study yields a set of guidelines for the application of each of these paradigms.

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