Sorting Algorithm Visualizer using Multithreading in Java

Contributor

• Ishwak Sharda (300205473): ishwak.sharda@student.ufv.ca
• Kshitij Goyal (300197764 - kshitij.goyal@student.ufv.ca)
• Joshua Lepon (300189001 - joshuakarle.lepon@student.ufv.ca)

Overview

This project is a Sorting Algorithm Visualizer built with Java, using multithreading for real-time visualizations of popular sorting algorithms. The visualizer illustrates how different algorithms work step-by-step by displaying the sorting process on the screen.

This project uses the Processing library for graphical rendering and focuses on delivering a fast, responsive, and visually appealing experience by harnessing the power of multithreading.

Features

• Multiple Sorting Algorithms: Visualize various sorting algorithms such as:
  • Bubble Sort
  • Merge Sort
  • Quick Sort
  • Radix Sort
  • Bogo Sort
  • Insertion Sort
• Multithreading: Each sorting algorithm runs in its own thread, allowing for faster and smoother animations.
• Real-Time Visualization: Watch the sorting process unfold in real-time.
• Customization Options: Configure parameters such as sorting speed, array size.

Table of Contents

• Installation
• Usage
• Multithreading

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/sorting-visualizer-multithreading.git

2. Open the project in your favorite Java IDE. This project uses IntelliJ IDEA with the Processing library for rendering.
3. Run the project: Run the MainThreaded.java class to start the sorting visualizer.

Counting sort simulation

We created a new illustration for counting sort. This is because the counting sort involved different new arrays that are being manipuated while the original one is idle. To accomodate those arrays, we created a new UI. Here are the steps to work with that:

1. Install Processing library
2. Choose the counting/counting.pde file in the source code.
3. Run the animation

Usage

1. Select Sorting Algorithm: Upon running the program, you can select the desired sorting algorithm from the interface.
2. Adjust Settings:
   • Array Size: Set the size of the array to be sorted.
   • Sorting Speed: Adjust the speed of the visualization.

Multithreading

This project leverages Java's multithreading capabilities to run each sorting algorithm in a separate thread. This ensures the visualization is smooth and does not block the UI thread.

Each sorting algorithm is assigned its own thread, allowing multiple algorithms to run simultaneously in different sections of the canvas.

Example of Multithreading

Thread sortingThread = new Thread(() -> {
    performSortingAlgorithm(array);
});
sortingThread.start();