Selection Sort Visualizer

This application provides a visual representation of

the selection sort algorithm, allowing users to input a
sequence of numbers and watch as the program sorts
them in ascending order. The intuitive interface and
customizable speed settings make it an excellent tool
for understanding and learning about this fundamental
sorting technique.

‫دالل ثاني الرويلي‬

‫هاجر ناصر الرويلي‬
‫طيف مفضي السرحاني‬
‫غادة الشمري‬
‫أسيل فهد صالح‬
Entering the Input
Enter Numbers Validate Input Reset Visualization
To begin, users can enter a The program will check the If the user wishes to start over
sequence of numbers input for any non-numeric with a new sequence, the
separated by commas in the values and provide feedback "Reset" button allows them to
input field. The application to the user if any invalid clear the input field and the
will accept any valid integers entries are detected. This visualization pane, preparing
and display them in the ensures that the sorting the application for a fresh
visualization pane. process can be carried out sorting demonstration.
accurately.
The Sorting Process
Find Minimum 1
The selection sort algorithm works by
repeatedly finding the minimum element
from the unsorted part of the array and 2 Swap Elements
swapping it with the first element of the As the algorithm progresses, the sorted
unsorted part. portion of the array grows, and the
unsorted portion shrinks. This process
continues until the entire array is sorted in
Visualize Changes 3 ascending order.
The application provides a visual
representation of this process,
highlighting the current minimum
element and the swapping of elements as
the sorting takes place. This helps users
understand the inner workings of the
selection sort algorithm.
Customizing the Visualization
Adjust Speed Observe Changes Track the Sequence

The application includes a slider As the sorting progresses, the The application also displays the
that allows users to adjust the visualization pane updates in sorted sequence below the
speed of the sorting animation. real-time, displaying the current visualization pane, allowing
By increasing or decreasing the state of the array. Users can users to see the final result of the
slider value, users can control watch as the bars representing sorting process and compare it to
the pace of the visualization, the numbers change position and the original input.
making it easier to follow the color, providing a clear visual
step-by-step process. cue of the sorting process.
Understanding Selection Sort

Step 1: Find Minimum Step 2: Swap with First Step 3: Repeat

The first step in the selection The process of finding the
sort algorithm is to find the Once the minimum element is minimum and swapping it with
minimum element in the identified, it is swapped with the first element of the unsorted
unsorted portion of the array. the first element of the unsorted portion is repeated until the
portion of the array. entire array is sorted in
ascending order.
Algorithmic Efficiency
1 Time Complexity 2 Space Complexity
The selection sort algorithm has a time The selection sort algorithm has a space
complexity of O(n^2), which means that as complexity of O(1), which means that it only
the size of the input array increases, the time requires a constant amount of additional
required to sort the array grows memory to perform the sorting operation.
quadratically. This makes selection sort less This makes it a space-efficient algorithm, as
efficient for large datasets compared to other it does not require the allocation of
sorting algorithms like quicksort or additional data structures to store
mergesort. intermediate results.

3 Stability
Selection sort is considered a stable sorting algorithm, meaning that the relative order of equal elements
is preserved during the sorting process. This property can be important in certain applications where
the original order of elements needs to be maintained.
Educational Applications

Learning Tool Practice Exercises Instructional Aid

The Selection Sort Visualizer can The application can also be used For educators, the Selection Sort
be a valuable tool for students as a practice tool, allowing Visualizer can be a valuable
learning about sorting algorithms. students to input their own teaching aid, allowing them to
By providing a visual sequences and observe the sorting demonstrate the selection sort
representation of the sorting process step-by-step. This hands- algorithm in a clear and engaging
process, it can help students on experience can reinforce their manner. This can help students
understand the underlying understanding of the algorithm grasp the concepts more
concepts and mechanics of the and help them develop their effectively and foster a deeper
selection sort algorithm. problem-solving skills. understanding of sorting
algorithms.
Real-World Applications
Data Structures Sorting algorithms like selection sort are
commonly used in the implementation of data
structures such as arrays and linked lists, where the
ability to organize and retrieve data efficiently is
crucial.

Databases Sorting is a fundamental operation in database

management systems, where it is used to index and
retrieve data quickly. Selection sort can be
employed in certain database applications,
particularly for smaller datasets.

Computational Biology In the field of computational biology, sorting

algorithms are used to analyze and organize large
datasets, such as DNA sequences or protein
structures. Selection sort may be applied in specific
bioinformatics tasks where the dataset size is
manageable.
Conclusion
Visualizing Sorting Educational Value
The Selection Sort Visualizer provides a powerful This tool can be invaluable for students and
and engaging way to understand the inner educators alike, serving as a learning aid, a
workings of the selection sort algorithm. By practice platform, and a teaching resource. By
allowing users to input their own sequences and fostering a deeper understanding of sorting
observe the sorting process in real-time, the algorithms, the Selection Sort Visualizer
application helps bridge the gap between theory contributes to the development of essential
and practice. problem-solving and programming skills.

Broader Applications
While selection sort may not be the most efficient algorithm for large-scale applications, its simplicity and
stability make it a valuable tool in various domains, from data structures and databases to computational
biology. The Selection Sort Visualizer provides a hands-on way to explore these real-world applications and
the role of sorting algorithms in computer science.