An Overview of 3D Software Visualization

Software visualizations are mathematical models of software algorithms.

Software visualization is a two-dimensional (2-D) or three-dimensional (3D) representation of software algorithms. It's a graphical representation or animation as to how software interacts and performs in a computing environment.

Identification

Just as math equations can be modeled graphically, software algorithms can also be modeled using software visualization techniques. To this end, software engineers use software visualization tools to model and visualize how software programs interact with other programs within a computer system.

Function

Software visualization involves the application of tools to support visualization tasks such as software comprehension, requirements validation and algorithm animation. According to software visualization researchers, many of the development tools required to make these tasks possible are still in the research stage.

Presentations

Individuals can view software visualization outputs and presentations on several mediums or presentation platforms. Options include 2-D desktop displays, 3-D desktop displays, virtual reality simulators and multi-resolution displays.

References

• IEEE Xplore: An Overview of 3-D Software Visualization
• Department of Computer Science, Kent State University: An Introduction to Software Visualization