Interactive Programming: Summary of an Evaluation and Some Management Considerations.

This report summarizes the results of an evaluation of interactive programming versus batch programming within an actual software production environment at the U.S. Army Computer Systems Command. The purpose of the study was to determine productivity and cost effectiveness differences between the two modes of operation. The results of the study indicate that, on a line-of-code basis, the interactive system offers an increase in productivity and a decrease in overall cost. Based on the data gathered formally and informally from the programmers, topics are discussed which should be considered in management planning for interactive programming.