A comprehensive problem for algorithm and paradigm visualization
Frank Hadlock, Robert Fly, Brandon Malone · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2006
The web site for algorithm visualization described in a previous article [4] has been extended to include the multi-stage Chinese Postman problem in the context of grid graphs. The various stages are solved by algorithms, which illustrate paradigms featured by the site. Objectives of the site include aiding students in visualizing the behavior of these algorithms by actively involving them in manual input of graphs, networks and strings and in stepping through the algorithms, and to provide students with mental graphics model which can be used in problem solving. The visualizations employ a dynamic display of high-level pseudo code with an indicator of the current step being executed. The student controls execution and receives feedback from a 2D graphics illustration of the effects of the individual steps. The multi-stage Chinese Postman algorithm enables the user to step backwards as well as forward.