RAPTOR - Flowchart Interpreter

RAPTOR offers users a programming environment in which flowcharts are used to help them see the algorithms while they are working on creating code. Raptor is an integrated software where in several advanced tools help users analyze their work while providing them with multiple threading methods they may use.

RAPTOR creates the models that are very high in quality by optimizing integer programming and finding the target templates with lesser homology. One of the best features of RAPTOR is the interface, which is easy to use and to understand. Everyone, from beginners to expert-level programmers, will find the E values in RAPTOR easy to comprehend as well. RAPTOR's most powerful feature, however, is the way it displays the output. The visual is easy to follow and complicated aspects can be easily understood with a quick look.

To further assist users with creating clean code, RAPTOR includes features like PSI-BLAST. This search function allows the user to search for homologous protein sequences that unnecessarily complicate the programming. It should be noted, however, that PSI-BLAST will not recognize a duplication is less than 25% of the sequence is homologous. RAPTOR also offers protein theading and fold recognition, which use structure and homology information. This protein threading provides users with a better prediction tool to find minimal amounts of homologous sequences.

Users, particularly students, have found RAPTOR to be helpful in creating algorithms because of the easy-to-visualize flowcharts. The program is free, but the quality is very good even when it is compared to other options for which users must pay.