Algorithm Visualizer: A Deep Dive into Sorting, Graphs, and Trees

Visualize, Understand, and Master Complex Algorithms with Qt

---

1. Introduction

The Algorithm Visualizer is an educational tool built with C++ and the Qt Framework designed to bring abstract computer science concepts to life. By transforming complex logic into real-time visualizations, it empowers learners to explore the mechanics of sorting algorithms, graph theory, and tree traversals.

Key Features :

• Dynamic Sorting : Visualize array-based sorting with real-time bar manipulations.*

• Graph Theory Sandbox: Manually place nodes and construct edges to visualize Shortest Path and Spanning Tree algorithms.

• Binary Tree Layout : Automatically converts comma-separated integer inputs into a hierarchical tree structure using array-based mapping ($2i+1$ and $2i+2$).

• Live Traversal : Step-by-step coloring of nodes during Inorder, Preorder, and Postorder traversals.

• Performance Metrics : Real-time LCD counters to track the time complexity and execution speed of each algorithm.

---

2. Watch Visualizer Demo:

24.04.2026_11.39.47_REC.mp4

3. User Instructions

Follow these steps to explore the visualizer:

1. Navigation : Use the main menu to switch between Sorting, Graph, and Tree pages.

2. For example in Tree Visualizer:

   • Click the Input button on the Tree page.
   • Enter up to 50 integers separated by commas (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50).
   • The first integer becomes the root, and subsequent values follow binary tree array-representation rules.

3. Algorithm Selection : Choose the desired algorithm (e.g., Inorder) from the ComboBox.

4. Simulation Control :

   • Adjust the Interval spinbox to change the animation speed.
   • Press Start to begin (nodes will reset to their default color before starting).
   • Press Stop to halt the animation at any time.

---

4. Developer Instructions

Prerequisites

• Qt Framework: 6.x or higher (Widgets module).
• Compiler: MinGW 64-bit or MSVC.
• Build System: CMake.

Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Shahrin23/Algo-Visualizer.git

2. Open CMakeLists.txt file in Qt Creator.
3. Ensure the console output is enabled in your configuration.

---

5. Contributor Expectations

Any contribution that improves algorithm efficiency or add new visualization types are welcomed!

• Code Style: Keep UI logic in MainWindow and visualization logic within the specific visualizer classes (TreeVisualizer, GraphVisualizer, etc.).
• Animation System: New algorithms should use the stepsList pattern with std::tuple to ensure smooth, non-blocking animations.
• Branching: Please create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/NewAlgo) before submitting a Pull Request.

---

Author: Shahrin23
License: MIT License