Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

visual programming environment
     
        Software which allows the use of visual expressions (such as
        graphics, drawings, animation or {icon}s) in the process of
        programming.  These visual expressions may be used as
        graphical interfaces for textual programming languages.  They
        may be used to form the syntax of new visual programming
        languages leading to new paradigms such as {programming by
        demonstration} or they may be used in graphical presentations
        of the behaviour or structure of a program.
     
        (1995-02-23)