Getting Started With Java Visualizers To Enhance User Experience

July 20, 2023
Getting Started with Java Visualizers to Enhance User Experience



Designing programs in Java is no child’s play, and a developer needs all the help they can get to make the process a breeze. Luckily, there’s a myriad of visualizers or explainers available online to step through the code, debug, and optimize it for peak performance.

These Java visualizers help developers write codes more efficiently and curb rookie mistakes. Put simply, a visualizer is an in-browser and interactive development interface allowing developers to visualize the code and run through it step-by-step. In it, a developer can either move forward or backward or jump to first or last to optimize the code smartly.

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Why Not Use Traditional Debuggers?

At its core, Java visualizer is a debugger but a better kind. What makes it better than the traditional ones? First and foremost, it is easy to use and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be an expert to debug via Java code visualizers as it provides visual cues and highlights the erred lines or syntax.

Further, as it lets the user move back and forth seamlessly or jump to start or finish, it helps see how the code functions on the fly. In simple words, they work like a magnifying glass with which you can unveil and identify the troubled spots hard to see with the naked eye. Further, developers who turn fluent in using Java visualizers can better decode their code, debug faster, and optimize effortlessly.

Benefits of Java Code Visualizers

Using Java visualizers helps optimize your code for performance and speed and improves the user experience. In particular, for beginners, it’s a must to run code through these visualizers before finalization, as it helps see live the effect of various calls and execution orders.

That said, Java code visualizer isn’t a perfect solution for all times and doesn’t work effectively with complex programs due to its in-browser limitations. Still, it is a handy tool for beginners and developers developing smaller, basic programs, and its use elevates the user experience tremendously.

Why Use Java Visualizers?

  • They help simplify complex Java codes.
  • They allow developers to freely navigate the code.
  • They help locate variables and functions seamlessly.
  • They simplify coding as you don’t have to open multiple documents.
  • You can automate completion or change names easily.
  • They help curate a productive workflow by using information panels.

Java Visualizers Example

Java code visualizers work well with code of varying complexity. However, to help you get started, we will cover some simple examples to understand how to use these visualizers for maximum impact

Example # 1 Sequential Statements

Let’s step through a basic code for printing two sequential statements:

public class GoodMorning {

   public static void main(String[] args) {

       System.out.println("good");

           System.out.println("morning");

   }

}

The above syntax prints “Good” on the first line and “Morning” below. Using Java visualizers, you can step through this code line-by-line by clicking forward. The active line is highlighted yellow as it helps locate your position.

Example # 2 For Loops

The below example illustrates how to traverse through a For Loop in a java code visualizer:

public class LoopExample {

   public static void main(String[] args) {

      for (int i=0; i<=6; i++)

      {

         System.out.println(String.format("Executing loop: Count %d", i));

      }

   }

}

Program Output:

Executing loop: Count 0

Executing loop: Count 1

Executing loop: Count 2

Executing loop: Count 3

Executing loop: Count 4

Executing loop: Count 5

Executing loop: Count 6

Running the above code in a Java visualizer will help you see how the debugger works with a for loop. First, it prints the Executing loop: Count I thrice for three integers, and then traverses through the conditions before publishing the print statement. Once done, it continues with the loop.

Example # 3 Function Calls

public class FunctionExample {

   public static void main(String[] args) {

      int num = 6;

      num = double_int(6);

      System.out.println(String.format("The value of number is now %d", num));

   }

   private static int double_int(int x) {

      return 2 * x;

   }

}

Program Output:

The value of number is now 12.

Running the above code in the Java code visualizer helps you see how the integer traverses through the function before it ultimately returns to the main. Seeing the code executes line by line will help you understand how function calls operate in Java.

Wrap Up

Java visualizers are handy for beginners and intermediate coders who want to understand their code better and achieve master-level proficiency. Working with visualizers helps you curb the debugging time and optimize your code for peak performance and deliver exceptional user experience.

Also Read: Understanding Java Concurrency And Multithreading

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author

jordan

Full Stack Java Developer | Writer | Recruiter, bridging the gap between exceptional talent and opportunities, for some of the biggest Fortune 500 companies.


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