README

Delphi Multi-threaded Sorting Algorithms Visualizer

Overview

This is a VCL-based desktop application written in Delphi that demonstrates parallel execution, thread-safe UI interactions, and custom canvas drawing. The application visually demonstrates 9 different sorting algorithms running concurrently in real-time on a randomized dataset.

This project serves as an excellent demonstration of concurrent programming, algorithm implementation, and custom UI rendering in Delphi.

Features & Architecture Showcased

• Symmetric Concurrency: Nine independent TThread subclasses execute symmetrically and concurrently, each implementing a distinct sorting algorithm:
  1. Selection Sort
  2. Shell Sort
  3. Insertion Sort
  4. Merge Sort
  5. Quick Sort
  6. Heap Sort
  7. Bubble Sort
  8. Comb Sort
  9. Cocktail Shaker Sort
• Decoupled Rendering Engine: Custom plotting using TPaintBox and OnPaint events.
  • Worker threads (TSorterThread) focus purely on algorithmic logic and safely update shared state records via pointers.
  • A detached TTimer master loop safely ticks at ~33 FPS to independently query thread states and redraw the visual grids without blocking the UI thread.
• Double Buffering: Implemented DoubleBuffered := True natively on controls to completely eliminate visual tearing and flickering during high frame-rate canvas repaints.
• Real-time Color Cues:
  • White/Grey: Unsorted elements.
  • Red/Blue: Active elements currently being compared or swapped by an algorithm inside the worker thread.
  • Green: Segments of data that are verified as sorted or have completed their algorithmic passes.
• Modern Delphi Constructs:
  • Built-in memory leak detection (ReportMemoryLeaksOnShutdown := True;) demonstrating an awareness of robust memory management.
  • Usage of Generics (TArray<Integer>) rather than static or legacy types.
  • Responsive, dynamically scaling UI grid (OnResize) adjusting all 9 paint boxes seamlessly.

How to use

1. Open the MultiSearchDemo.dpr project file in Embarcadero RAD Studio / Delphi.
2. Press F9 or hit Run.
3. Maximize the window if desired, then click the Start Algorithms Visualization button.
4. Watch a randomly shuffled array visually sort itself across all 9 algorithms simultaneously! "# delphi-multi-threaded-sort-algorithms"