Matrix - Concept Animation and Algorithm Simulation

Data structures and algorithms include abstract concepts and processes, which people often find difficult to understand. Examples of these are complex data types and pro. cedural encoding of algorithms. Software visualization can significantly help in solving the problem. In this paper we describe the platform independent I\{atrix system which combines algorithm animation with algorithm simulation, where the user interacts directly with data structures through a graphical user interface. The simulation pra cess created bv the user can be stored and played back in terms of algorithm animation. In addition, existing library rorrtines can be used for creating illustrations of advanced abstract data types, or for animating and simulating user's own algorithms. lVoreover, i\4atrix 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 arh i t rar i lv nested v isual izat ions.