Matrix: concept animation and algorithm simulation system

  • Authors:

  • Ari Korhonen;Lauri Malmi

  • Affiliations:

  • Helsinki University of Technology, Finland;Helsinki University of Technology, Finland

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the Working Conference on Advanced Visual Interfaces
  • Year:
  • 2002

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Abstract

Data structures and algorithms include abstract concepts and processes, which people often find difficult to understand. Examples of these are complex data types and procedural encoding of algorithms. Software visualization can significantly help in solving the problem. In this paper we describe the platform independent Matrix system which combines algorithm animation with algorithm simulation, where the user interacts directly with data structures through a graphical user interface. The simulation process created by the user can be stored and played back in terms of algorithm animation. In addition, existing library routines can be used for creating illustrations of advanced abstract data types, or for animating and simulating user's own algorithms. Moreover, Matrix provides an extensive set of visual concepts for algorithm animation. These concepts include visualizations for primitive types, arrays, lists, trees, and graphs. This set can be extended further by using arbitrarily nested visualizations