ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dataflow programming

Dataflow programming is like playing with building blocks. You have different types of blocks that you can put together to create something cool. But instead of building toys, you are building computer programs!

Think of it like this: you have some blocks that represent data, and some blocks that represent actions you want the computer to take. You connect the blocks in a certain way to create a program that does what you want it to do.

Each block is like a little packet of information that travels from one block to another. When a block gets a packet of information, it performs its task and then sends the packet on to the next block.

So, for example, you might have a block that reads in some data and another block that sorts it. When the data block finishes reading, it sends a packet of information to the sorting block. The sorting block sorts the data and sends it on to the next block.

Overall, dataflow programming is a fun and intuitive way to build programs by putting together blocks that represent data and actions. It makes it easy to see how data is flowing through a program and helps you avoid mistakes.