An overview of program visualization tools and systems
Melissa Ann Wiggins · 1998
For years researchers have sought to find a way to make programs easier to understand.They have developed flowcharting techniques and even movies to show the flow of a program.It is a generally accepted notion that these tools make programs easier to understand.Current research in software visualization has resulted in the development of algorithm animation systems.These systems allow students to see the execution of a program.Several studies have been performed with mixed results.In this study, the author seeks to find if use of one of two particular animation systems effects understanding of an algorithm.This study also seeks to determine if students have a preference for one of the two tools.The results show that there is no significant difference between the two tools on understanding and application of an algorithm.There is however a preference for DynaLab over the GAIGS as an algorithm animation system for understanding of list concepts and for general use.There is no preference between the tools for use with recursive algorithms.