In this paper we discuss the design and implementation of GATutor, a graphical tutorial system for genetic algorithms (GA). The X Window/Motif system provides powerful tools for the development of a user interfaces with a familiar feel and look. We implemented the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the Set Covering Problem (SCP) as two example GA problems in the tutorial. The TSP problem uses an order-based chromosome representation (permutation of n objects), while the SCP uses bit strings. The user has numerous buttons to select the GA parameters. These include (a) type of initial population: random or from a file, (b) mode: steady-state or generational, (c) population size, (d) maximum number of generations or trials, (e) generation gap, (f) selection mode, (g) selection bias, (h) selection of the crossover operation from a choice of several possibilities, (i) mutation method, (j) mutation rate, (k) replacement method, (l), elitism, etc. The user has the ability to do astep by step execution or to do a continuous run. The screen layout provides visual representation of the chromosomes in the population with the ability to scroll. This gives the user the option of varying one or two GA parameters to visually see the effect on the algorithm. One of most important features of this tutorial is the set of help screens that explain, with examples, all of the options for each of the GA parameters. This package has already been very useful for teaching the fundamental features of GAs in many different courses, and it has been very valuable in our GA research projects.

GATutor: a graphical tutorial system for genetic algorithms

CPU SIM is an interactive low-level computer simulation package that runs on the Macintosh computer. Users of the package specify the details of the CPU to be simulated, including the register, i/o channels, main memory, the microinstruction set, machine instructions, and assembly language instructions. User can then create machine or assembly language programs using the built-in text editor and assembler and can run their programs in the simulator. It is possible to step through the execution of a program one machine instruction at a time. Also, users may choose to edit the contents of any component and then continue execution. The main window displays the state of the machine at every step. CPU Sim was chosen as “Best Engineering Software (Computer Science)” in the 1993 EDUCOM Higher Education Software and Curriculum Innovation Awards Program. It is currently being sold by Intellimation.

CPU Sim a computer simulator for use in an introductory computer organization-architecture class

Students learning computer organization and assembly language programming often have difficulty understanding the relationship between hardware functions and software instructions. This paper describes how a software tool can help students understand the organization and use of the Motorola 68000 processor family. XSIM68K employs a graphical interface to enhance a traditional “black box” simulator so that students can observe first-hand the effect of a running program on registers, memory, and II0 devices. Multiple data representations allow the student to choose the most appropriate format for data entry and display, which reduces confusion and eliminates conversion mistakes.

Visual execution of assembly language programs

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Papers

A graphical computer simulator for systems programming courses