Dynamic data structures, a web based tool for teaching linked lists and binary trees
Jr. Robert A. Ravenscroft · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2018
DDS, the Dynamic Data Structures system, is an HTML5 and JavaScript application that allows the user to interactively model dynamic data structures such as linked lists and binary trees. DDS was conceived as a modeling tool to be used in a classroom when teaching data structures, eliminating the need to model data structures on static media such as white boards. Unlike many algorithm visualization systems, DDS does not produce visualizations for an algorithm. It cannot even run an algorithm. Rather, it provides a platform for the user to build and manipulate a graphical model of a data structure in a manner of their choosing. Any action taken by the user corresponds to the execution of one statement in an algorithm. Only manipulations that are semantically valid in a language such as Java are allowed. This paper introduces the DDS system and provides an overview of its capabilities. It then discusses its usage in a CS2 class, describing how it was helpful, as well as identifying some features that would help make it more useful.