Algorithm visualization

Abstract

Algorithm Visualization makes use of computer graphics to depict the executions of an algorithm as a discrete or continuous sequence of graphical images. Learning abstract concepts like data structures and algorithms are always difficult for beginners. To improve understanding of algorithms and increase students' participation, various visualization tools have been developed. However, after intensive research in this area, we find that the objectives remain unfulfilled due to poor animations, limited data structures and lacking of demonstration algorithms. With the above limitations, we introduce Algorithm Visualization, a new online platform for creating visualizations with active learning features. This tool adopts pseudo code as the input language to give an informal high-level description of algorithm and contains a pseudo code compiler for compilation process. Supplemental JavaScript visualization libraries are also provided for animating complex data structures such as Graph and Tree. Furthermore, variable highlighting themes are designed for tracking variable modifications during code execution. In this project, we have created an algorithm visualization tool which contains a web user interface for accepting client codes and demonstrating the code execution status with graphical data structures, a self-defined pseudo language compiler for code compilation and syntax design, and a powerful JavaScript visualization library for generating dynamic graphical representations of data structures. With this tool, students can step forwards and backwards through execution to view the run time state of data structures. In general, algorithm visualization provides an easy platform for learning, evaluating and practising algorithms online.