Inspiration
Learning Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) can be intimidating and abstract. I wanted to turn it into a gamified, interactive experience that feels like solving a mystery. Drawing inspiration from detective stories and crime investigation boards, I imagined each algorithm or bug as a “case” to investigate, making learning both fun and memorable.
What it does
AlgoSleuth is an AI-powered DSA tutor. Users submit code snippets, and the AI analyzes them like a forensic investigator. It highlights bugs, explains logic step-by-step, and generates Algorithm Trace visualizations with ASCII-style pointers, nodes, and execution flow. Each snippet becomes a “Case” tracked in a Timeline and Evidence Board, with color-coded statuses for correctness, ongoing investigation, or critical bugs.
How we built it
Frontend: React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript; responsive and detective-themed UI Backend / AI: Google Gemini 3 API for reasoning, explanations, and Algorithm Trace generation Visualization: ASCII-style execution diagrams, evidence boards, and dynamic pointers
Challenges we ran into
Designing Algorithm Trace visuals that are both clear and educational Balancing the detective theme with a clean, uncluttered UI Maintaining stateful AI interactions for follow-up questions and reopened cases
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Fully interactive, detective-themed DSA tutor Personalized AI guidance based on user expertise Real-time visualizations that simplify complex algorithms Gamified experience with timeline, evidence board, and case tracking
What we learned
How to translate learning goals into gamified AI experiences How to use Gemini 3 for structured explanations and reasoning UX design strategies for complex educational tools The importance of visual storytelling in learning algorithms
What's next for AlgoSleuth
Expand support for more DSA concepts and edge cases Add collaborative investigations for peer learning Introduce advanced Algorithm Trace animations Integrate cloud storage for cross-device case history
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.