Algorithm visualization on the World Wide Web—the difference Java makes!

Abstract

Using algorithm visualization, we can depict the execution of an algorithm as a sequence of graphical snapshots, the viewing of which is controlled by the user. Such visualizations can be a tremendous help to students, but their use is limited by the constraints of platform dependency. This constraint can now be overcome by making algorithm visualizations conveniently accessible on the World Wide Web. This paper provides an overview of progress that has been made in delivering interactive visualizations in platform-independent fashion on the Web. In particular the role played by Java in implementing one such system is explored in depth.