Adapting Algorithm Techniques for Program Debugging and Testing

算法动画，使用动态图形来说明程序行为并增强理解，已成功地用作教学辅助工具。通常，算法动画涉及事后程序增强：图形是为已经工作的程序设计和开发的。在算法动画系统中使用的技术可以在程序调试期间使用。本研究的目的是使用程序设计者开发的抽象心智模型作为程序可视化的基础，并开发一个框架，使程序员能够在测试和调试之前快速轻松地（无需图形编码）创建程序的动画可视化。这样的框架可以用来检查程序行为，并以一种与传统文本调试器不同的独特方式识别错误。预期的可交付成果包括(1)将程序数据和动作映射到动态图形的方法的描述和实现，(2)基于动画的原型可视化调试器，以及(3)对此类系统有效性的分析。

Algorithm animation, the use of dynamic graphics to illustrate program behavior and enhance understanding, has been successfully utilized as a pedagogical aid. Typically, algorithm animation involves post-mortem program augmentation: graphics are designed and developed for already working programs. The techniques used in algorithm animation systems could be adapted for use during program debugging. The objectives of this research are to use the abstract mental models developed by program designers as a basis for program visualizations and to develop a framework that allows programmers to quickly and easily (without graphics coding) create an animated visualization of a program prior to testing and debugging. Such a framework then could be used to examine program behavior and identify errors in a uniquely different manner than traditional textual debuggers. The intended deliverables include (1) a description and implementation of a methodology for mapping program data and actions to dynamic graphics, (2) a prototype animation-based visual debugger, and (3) an analysis of the effectiveness of such a system.