A Large-Scale Functionality Analysis of Apps Created with App Inventor

• Nathalia da Cruz Alves Federal University of Santa Catarina http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3523-9199
• Christiane Gresse von Wangenheim Federal University of Santa Catarina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6566-1606

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/educomp.2023.228140

Abstract

Teaching algorithms and programming in K-12 Education has become essential. One of the programming environments used at this level of education is App Inventor, which allows you to create mobile applications. While there have been numerous studies on learning to program with App Inventor, one question that remains is which features are typically implemented. Thus, this article presents the results of a large-scale statistical analysis based on automated functionality extraction from the code of 100,000 application projects created with App Inventor. The results demonstrate that some functionalities are very common and related to the idiosyncrasy of applications. On the other hand, although there is support from App Inventor, some features are extremely rare due to niche use and lack of teaching materials. These results can help in a better understanding of the functionalities currently present in most projects, indicating opportunities for the development of new materials and support in assessment, including creativity development.

Keywords: App Inventor, Functionality, Extraction, Programming, Basic Education

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