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Visualising Java Data Structures as Graphs

Hamer, J.

    We present a simple, general-purpose tool for visualising Java data structures. The tool uses Java reflection and an open-source graph drawing program to produce text-book quality depictions of arbitrary Java objects. The tool offers certain pedagogical advantages over other 'heavy-weight' visualisation systems. Its simplicity and generality means that students are able to visualise their own data structures, rather than passively observing a limited range of 'correct' visualisations prepared in advance by the lecturer. The tool supports an active, exploratory style of learning, and is ideally suited for use in CS1-level courses that introduce Java references and arrays, as well as a range of CS2-level data structure material. Initial classroom results are encouraging.
Cite as: Hamer, J. (2004). Visualising Java Data Structures as Graphs. In Proc. Sixth Australasian Computing Education Conference (ACE2004), Dunedin, New Zealand. CRPIT, 30. Lister, R. and Young, A. L., Eds. ACS. 125-129.
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