ALGOGEN: Tool-Generated Verifiable Traces for Reliable Algorithm Visualization

TL;DR

ALGOGEN introduces a decoupled approach for algorithm visualization that improves reliability and success rates by separating algorithm execution from rendering, utilizing formal trace algebra and style languages.

Contribution

It proposes a novel decoupling paradigm with formal trace algebra and style languages, significantly reducing hallucinations in LLM-generated algorithm visualizations.

Findings

Achieves 17.3% higher success rate than end-to-end methods.

Demonstrates 99.8% success rate on a LeetCode benchmark.

Provides reliable, high-quality algorithm visualizations.

Abstract

Algorithm Visualization (AV) helps students build mental models by animating algorithm execution states. Recent LLM-based systems such as CODE2VIDEO generate AV videos in an end-to-end manner. However, this paradigm requires the system to simultaneously simulate algorithm flow and satisfy video rendering constraints, such as element layout and color schemes. This complex task induces LLM hallucinations, resulting in reduced execution success rates, element overlap, and inter-frame inconsistencies. To address these challenges, we propose ALGOGEN, a novel paradigm that decouples algorithm execution from rendering. We first introduce Visualization Trace Algebra (VTA), a monoid over algorithm visual states and operations. The LLM then generates a Python tracker that simulates algorithm flow and outputs VTA-JSON traces, a JSON encoding of VTA. For rendering, we define a Rendering Style Language (RSL) to templatize algorithm layouts. A deterministic renderer then compiles algorithm traces with RSL into Manim, LaTeX/TikZ, or Three.js outputs. Evaluated on a LeetCode AV benchmark of 200 tasks, ALGOGEN achieves an average success rate improvement of 17.3% compared to end-to-end methods, with 99.8% versus 82.5%. These results demonstrate that our decoupling paradigm effectively mitigates LLM hallucinations in complex AV tasks, providing a more reliable solution for automated generation of high-quality algorithm visualizations. Demo videos and code are available in the project repository.