🔢 Java Sorting Algorithm Visualizer

A terminal-based sorting algorithm visualizer with real-time ASCII bar chart animation and benchmarking.

Algorithms Included

Algorithm	Avg Case	Worst Case
Bubble Sort	O(n²)	O(n²)
Selection Sort	O(n²)	O(n²)
Insertion Sort	O(n²)	O(n²)
Merge Sort	O(n log n)	O(n log n)
Quick Sort	O(n log n)	O(n²)
Heap Sort	O(n log n)	O(n log n)

Requirements

• Java 17+

Build & Run

javac

javac Main.java SortingVisualizer.java
java Main

Modes

1. Visualize (step-by-step)

• Choose an algorithm, array size (5–40), and step delay
• Watch the bars move in real time — highlighted bars (█) show active comparisons
• Final stats: comparisons, swaps, elapsed time

2. Benchmark All

• Runs all 6 algorithms on the same random array
• Prints a comparison table of comparisons, swaps, and time

Example Benchmark Output

Algorithm          Comparisons        Swaps    Time (ms)
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Bubble Sort              4,950        2,431            2
Selection Sort           4,950          100            1
Insertion Sort           2,543        2,543            0
Merge Sort               4,344        3,976            1
Quick Sort               1,312          412            0
Heap Sort                2,988        1,024            0
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Project Structure

sorting-visualizer/
└── sortviz/
    ├── Main.java               # Entry point & menu
    └── SortingVisualizer.java  # Algorithms + rendering

Potential Features

• Add Shell Sort or Tim Sort
• Export benchmark results to CSV
• Add a nearly-sorted or reverse-sorted input mode to show worst-case behavior
• Swap ASCII bars for a Swing/JavaFX GUI