Manim DSA & System Design Concepts

This repository is a collection of data structure, algorithm, and system design animations created with the Manim Python library.

The primary goal is to not only visualize these concepts but also to build a reusable open-source toolkit (manim_utils.py) that makes creating complex DSA animations in Manim simpler and more robust.

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Project Goals

• Deep Learning: To deeply understand Manim's core concepts by building a production-ready animation toolkit from scratch.
• Open Source: To create a high-quality manim_utils.py library that others can use to create their own DSA animations (e.g., LinkedList, Grid, Base_DSA_Scene).
• Video Playlist: To produce a full YouTube playlist of animations, starting with data structure fundamentals (Linked Lists) and moving to more complex algorithms (Pathfinding, Sorting).

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The Toolkit: manim_utils.py

The core of this project is the manim_utils.py library, which provides a set of powerful, "smart" Mobjects and Scenes:

• Base_DSA_Scene: A custom base class for all animations. It automatically sets up a dynamic three-zone layout:
  • anim_zone: A dedicated area for the animation.
  • listing: A code window for displaying and highlighting source code.
  • log_zone: An output/status panel for showing status text or algorithm output.
• LinkedListNode & LinkedList: "Smart" Mobjects that can build and animate themselves. Instead of manually moving nodes, you can simply call methods like my_list.create_pointer() or my_list.transfer_pointer() and get animations in return.
• Helpers: Robust helper methods like highlight_line() (which won't go out of bounds) and update_log_text() (with a clean cross-fade).

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Current Status

1. Core Toolkit

• Base_DSA_Scene with dynamic 3-zone layout is complete.
• highlight_line() utility is functional and bounds-checked.
• update_log_text() utility is functional with text-wrapping and cross-fade.

2. Content

• Linked Lists
  • LinkedListNode Mobject.
  • LinkedList "factory" Mobject.
  • Video 1: "Intro to Linked Lists" - Complete. (Animates Node and LinkedList classes with code swapping).
• Title Cards
  • create_scrambled_title() utility (TransformMatchingStrings).
• Pathfinding (In Progress)
  • GridNode and Grid Mobjects.
  • AStarTitleCard prototype.

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How to Run

This project uses the Python library manim (community edition).

1. Install dependencies:

   pip install manim

2. Render a scene: To render one of the videos, use the manim command from your terminal.

   • For a high-quality (1080p) render:

     manim -pqh scenes.py IntroToLinkedListScene

   • For a quick low-quality preview:

     manim -pql scenes.py TestFXScene