WHAT IS JAWAA?

 


JAWAA is an acronym that stands for Java and Web-based Algorithm Animations.  It is a simple command language that is used as a tool for computer science education.  It was created in 1998 by Prof. Susan Rodger, a Duke professor, and Willard Pierson, a Duke undergraduate.  JAWAA allow students and educators to create animations using built in Jawaa objects that teach computer science concepts such as those relating to arrays, queues, stacks, lists, etc.  Each line of Jawaa code consists of one command.  This file of command is stored in a script file with a .anim extension.  In order to function properly, there must be two files of the same name--one must be that with the .anim extension, and the other must be an html file.  The html code is really simple and can be copied from the JAWAA homepage and used for all animations.  Once these two files are created, the applet can be run from any web-browser.  Another useful thing to note is that JAWAA can be incorporated  into any program written in any language and outputted into an animation file.  JAWAA is useful because it makes the learning process easier for students because it provides a visual representation of the computer science concepts as well as for educators.