Semi-automatic generation of three-dimensional visual algorithm simulations

Algorithms1 and data structures constitute the theoretical foundations of computer science and are an integral part of any classical computer science curriculum. Due to their high level of abstraction, the understanding of algorithms is of crucial concern to the vast majority of novice students. To facilitate the understanding and teaching of algorithms, a new research field termed “algorithm visualisation” evolved in the early 1980’s. This field is concerned with innovating techniques and concepts for the development of effective algorithm visualisations for teaching, study, and research purposes. Due to the large number of requirements that high-quality algorithm visualisations need to meet, developing and deploying effective algorithm visualisations from scratch is often deemed to be an arduous, time-consuming task, which necessitates high-level skills in didactics, design, programming and evaluation. A substantial part of this thesis is devoted to the problems and solutions related to the automation of three-dimensional visual simulation of algorithms. The scientific contribution of the research presented in this work lies in addressing three concerns: • Identifying and investigating the issues related to the full automation of visual simulations. • Developing an automation-based approach to minimising the effort required The term algorithm derives from “Muhammad ibn Musa Abu Ja’far Al-Khwarizmi”, the name of a mathematician and astronomer. He is considered to be the father of algebra and was among the first to use zero as a place holder in positional base notation [75, 74].