Visualization Tools for CS Theory: an Initial Literature Review

Learning formal concepts in Theory of Computation (ToC) can be challenging for students, and visualization tools can assist in comprehension of ToC concepts. We present a literature review of visualization tools developed for teaching ToC topics, including automata theory, computability theory, and complexity theory. Using a comprehensive search strategy across major libraries, we identified 47 primary studies from 1988--2025 that met our inclusion criteria. We found that the majority of tools target automata (especially finite automata), while relatively fewer tools address proof techniques and complexity topics, though interest in these areas has recently grown. We observed two periods of heightened development of ToC visualization tools: an initial wave around the late 1990s to mid-2000s, and a resurgence in the early 2020s with more interactive and web-based tools.