JAVENGA: JAva‐based Visualization Environment for Network and Graph Algorithms

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents JAVENGA, which is an acronym for JAva‐based Visualization Environment for Network and Graph Algorithms. It is a new visualization software for educational purposes. It includes visualizations of many well‐known graph and network algorithms. However, besides simple algorithms the tool also illustrates a visualization of a quite complex one, such as the Network Simplex algorithm. The recommended tool includes a graph editor where directed and undirected graphs can be drawn, it allows users to give input to an algorithm and then see its visualization in a user‐controlled way, and finally it incorporates a solution window where one can see the values of variables at each step of algorithm execution. JAVENGA, as its name states, has been implemented in Java language and it can be run either as an applet or as a Java application. Further, one can execute the program either locally or remotely via the Web. It can be used by instructors as auxiliary teaching material in the context of a graph theory or network optimization course. Besides, instructors can use the tool to grade students' assignments or exams. Students can also use the software in a self‐learning approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 255–268, 2012