Locust 1-3-2: An exercise in Modula-2

Each of the students in the Modula-2 class (fall 1995) at Bethel created a miniature version of any of a number of very popular spreadsheet systems now available on PC's and workstations. The new spreadsheet was named Locust 1-3-2. As such, it was to provide at least a minimal version of the standard spreadsheet grid interface. It should also be possible to move the cursor to various grid locations and to enter or modify information there.

Spreadsheets are particularly powerful because they allow users to define the value of a cell as expressions using values in other cells. Locust 1-3-2 provided a simplified version of this feature, as well.

This project was designed by the entire class working together. They decided on specifics like commands, variables, and the look of the interface. "Working through the design of Locust has helped me learn the steps of creating a program as a team," commented one student. After the students designed Locust, they began implementing their own copies of the program in Modula-2.

Through this project, the students not only learned the syntax and structure of Modula-2, but most importantly, the steps of design and implementation on a group and individual basis.