7. A method for machine-assisted programming of a target processor which can execute a target programming language, comprising: displaying graphical images in accordance with interactive input by an operator; storing a representation of a program for said target processor, said program representation being expressed in a definition language and being generated by interactive manipulation of said displayed graphical images; providing a simulation of an external environment of said target processor, and simulating execution of said program by said target processor as if said program were expressed in said target programming language and including simulation of interaction of said target processor with said simulation of said environment in accordance with said program; displaying said simulated execution of said program; and translating said program representation in said definition language into a corresponding representation in said target programming language.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said simulated execution of said program is displayed graphically by modification of said displayed graphical images.