Sorting Algorithm Visualizer

The Sorting Algorithm Visualizer is a Java-based program that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for visualizing various sorting algorithms in real-time. Users can interact with the visualizer to observe the sorting process, customize parameters, and control the sorting animations.

Todo/Improvements

• Fix audio glitches on large numbers of elements
• Fix sound on end of sort animation
• Fix pause and resume functionality
• Currently pause doesn't pause the program instantly, lots of glitches there
• Fix the glitch on divider adjustment
• Fix animation speed
• Expand the range of supported sorting algorithms
• Find a different mechanism to select sorting algorithms. Fine for now, but we'll eventually run out of button room.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Supported Sorting Algorithms
• Architecture
• Getting Started
• User Interface
• Customization
• Contributing
• License

Overview

Purpose

The Sorting Algorithm Visualizer is designed to help users understand and visualize how different sorting algorithms work in practice. It provides real-time feedback on the sorting process, including comparisons, array accesses, and a visual representation of the array being sorted.

Key Features

• Visualization of sorting algorithms including Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, and Bogo Sort.
• Customizable highlight colors for sorting elements.
• Adjustable number of elements in the array.
• Control over the animation speed.
• Pause, resume, reset, and quit options.
• Real-time display of algorithm-related metrics.

Supported Sorting Algorithms

The Visualizer supports the following sorting algorithms:

• Bubble Sort
• Insertion Sort
• Bogo Sort

Architecture

Main Components

• Visualizer Class: The main class responsible for initializing the GUI, handling user interactions, and managing the overall flow of the program.
• Controller Class: Manages the state of the sorting process, including the array to be sorted, highlighted elements, and flags for controlling sorting.
• Sort Interface: Defines a contract for sorting algorithms, including methods for sorting logic and optional methods for algorithm details.
• Sorting Algorithm Implementations: Concrete classes implementing the Sort interface, each providing the logic for a specific sorting algorithm.

Threading

• The program uses multi-threading to ensure smooth graphical rendering and user interaction.
• A dedicated UI thread continuously updates the visualization, while sorting algorithms run on separate threads.
• This approach allows for interaction with the UI during sorting.

Getting Started

To run the Sorting Algorithm Visualizer on your machine, follow these steps:

1. Prerequisites: Ensure you have Java installed on your computer.

2. Clone the Repository: Clone this GitHub repository to your local machine.

   git clone https://github.com/r-802/Sorting-Algorithm-Visualizer.git

3. Compile and Run: Navigate to the project directory in your command prompt or terminal and compile the code using your preferred Java compiler. Then, run the Visualizer class to start the program.

   javac Visualizer.java
   java Visualizer

4. Use the GUI: Once the program is running, use the graphical user interface to select a sorting algorithm, customize settings, and control the animation.

Or simply open the Visualizer.java file and run it directly from your IDE.

User Interface

The user interface of the Sorting Algorithm Visualizer consists of the following elements:

• Highlight Color: Customize the color used to highlight sorting elements.

• Number of Elements: Adjust the number of elements in the array to be sorted.

• Animation Speed: Control the speed of the sorting animation.

• Sorting Buttons: Choose a sorting algorithm (Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, or Bogo Sort) and start the sorting process.

• Utilities: Use the buttons to pause, resume, reset, or quit the sorting process.

• Visualization Canvas: The main area where the sorting process is visually represented.