Sorting Visualizer (C++ / SDL2)

A real-time visualization tool for classic sorting algorithms built using C++17 and SDL2.
Watch how arrays get sorted step-by-step with smooth animations and color highlights.

Features

• Sorting algorithms implemented:
  Selection, Insertion, Bubble, Merge, Quick, and Heap (in-place)
• Color-coded comparisons and swaps
• Fixed number of bars (default 130)
• Simple key controls for switching algorithms
• Smooth animation speed tuned via SDL_Delay

Controls

Key	Action
0	Generate new random list
1	Selection Sort
2	Insertion Sort
3	Bubble Sort
4	Merge Sort
5	Quick Sort
6	Heap Sort
q	Exit program

⚠️ Avoid pressing new keys until the current sort finishes — otherwise visuals may lag.

Build & Run

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential libsdl2-dev
g++ -std=c++17 -O2 "Sorting Visualizer.cpp" -lSDL2 -o sorting_visualizer
./sorting_visualizer

macOS (Homebrew)

brew install sdl2
g++ -std=c++17 -O2 "Sorting Visualizer.cpp" $(sdl2-config --cflags --libs) -o sorting_visualizer
./sorting_visualizer

Windows (MSYS2 MinGW)

pacman -S --needed mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-gcc mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-SDL2
g++ -std=c++17 -O2 "Sorting Visualizer.cpp" -o SortingVisualizer.exe \
  -lmingw32 -lSDL2main -lSDL2
./SortingVisualizer.exe

⚙️ Configuration

Modify the constants near the top of the source file:

const int SCREEN_WIDTH  = 910;
const int SCREEN_HEIGHT = 750;
const int arrSize  = 130;  // number of bars
const int rectSize = 7;    // bar width

Adjust SDL_Delay(...) inside algorithms to speed up or slow down the animation.

Algorithms Implemented

• Selection Sort – find minimum each pass
• Insertion Sort – build sorted prefix
• Bubble Sort – repeated adjacent swaps
• Merge Sort – divide and merge
• Quick Sort – partition around pivot
• Heap Sort – max-heap and pop maximums

Repository Structure

.
├── Sorting Visualizer.cpp   # main C++ source
└── README.md