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Introduction to Data Structures
and Algorithms
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Data Structures is about how data can be stored in different structures.
Algorithms is about how to solve different problems, often by searching through and
manipulating data structures.
Theory about Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) helps us to use large amounts of data to
solve problems efficiently.
What are Data Structures?
A data structure is a way to store data.
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We structure data in different ways depending on what data we have, and what we want to do
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First, let's consider an example without
computers in mind, just to get the idea.
If we want to store data about people we
are related to, we use a family tree as the
data structure. We choose a family tree as
the data structure because we have
information about people we are related
to and how they are related, and we want
Family tree
an overview so that we can easily find a
specific family member, several
generations back.
With such a family tree data structure visually in front of you, it is easy to see, for example, who
my mother's mother is-it is 'Emma,' right? But without the links from child to parents that this
data structure provides, it would be difficult to determine how the individuals are related.
Data structures give us the possibility to manage large amounts of data efficiently for uses such
as large databases and internet indexing services.
Data structures are essential ingredients in creating fast and powerful algorithms. They help in
managing and organizing data, reduce complexity, and increase efficiency.
In Computer Science there are two different kinds of data structures.
Primitive Data Structures are basic data structures provided by programming languages to
represent single values, such as integers, floating-point numbers, characters, and booleans.
Abstract Data Structures are higher-level data structures that are built using primitive data
types and provide more complex and specialized operations. Some common examples of abstract
data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
What are Algorithms?
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An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a given problem or achieve a specific
goal.
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A cooking recipe written on a piece of
paper is an example of an algorithm,
where the goal is to make a certain dinner.
The steps needed to make a specific dinner
are described exactly.
When we talk about algorithms in
Computer Science, the step-by-step
instructions are written in a programming
language, and instead of food ingredients,
an algorithm uses data structures.
Algorithms are fundamental to computer
programming as they provide step-by-
Pommes Frites Recipe
step instructions for executing tasks. An
efficient algorithm can help us to find the
solution we are looking for, and to transform a slow program into a faster one.
By studying algorithms, developers can write better programs.
Algorithm examples:
Finding the fastest route in a GPS navigation system
Navigating an airplane or a car (cruise control)
Finding what users search for (search engine)
Sorting, for example sorting movies by rating
The algorithms we will look at in this tutorial are designed to solve specific problems, and are
often made to work on specific data structures. For example, the 'Bubble Sort' algorithm is
designed to sort values, and is made to work on arrays.
Data Structures together with Algorithms
Data structures and algorithms (DSA) go hand in hand. A data structure is not worth much if you
cannot search through it or manipulate it efficiently using algorithms, and the algorithms in this
tutorial are not worth much without a data structure to work on.
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DSA is about finding efficient ways to store and retrieve data, to perform operations on data, and
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to solve specific problems.
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By understanding DSA, you can:
Decide which data structure or algorithm is best for a given situation.
Make programs that run faster or use less memory.
Understand how to approach complex problems and solve them in a systematic way.
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Where is Data Structures and Algorithms
Needed?
Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) are used in virtually every software system, from operating
systems to web applications:
For managing large amounts of data, such as in a social network or a search
engine.
For scheduling tasks, to decide which task a computer should do first.
For planning routes, like in a GPS system to find the shortest path from A to B.
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For optimizing processes, such as arranging tasks so they can be completed as
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quickly as possible.
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a computer 'learn' from data.
DSA is fundamental in nearly every part of the software world:
Operating Systems
Database Systems
Web Applications
Machine Learning
Video Games
Cryptographic Systems
Data Analysis
Search Engines
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Theory
and
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As we go along in this tutorial, new theoretical concepts and terminology (new words) will be
needed so that we can better understand the data structures and algorithms we will be working
on.
These new words and concepts will be introduced and explained properly when they are needed,
but here is a list of some key terms, just to get an overview of what is coming:
Term Description
Algorithm A set of step-by-step instructions to solve a specific problem.
Data Structure A way of organizing data so it can be used efficiently. Common data
structures include arrays, linked lists, and binary trees.
Time A measure of the amount of time an algorithm takes to run, depending on
Complexity the amount of data the algorithm is working on.
Space A measure of the amount of memory an algorithm uses, depending on the
Complexity amount of data the algorithm is working on.
Big O Notation A mathematical notation that describes the limiting behavior of a function
when the argument tends towards a particular value or infinity. Used in this
tutorial to describe the time complexity of an algorithm.
Recursion A programming technique where a function calls itself.
Divide and A method of solving complex problems by breaking them into smaller,
Conquer more manageable sub-problems, solving the sub-problems, and combining
the solutions. Recursion is often used when using this method in an
algorithm.
Brute Force A simple and straight forward way an algorithm can work by simply trying
all possible solutions and then choosing the best one.
Where to Start?
In this tutorial, you will first learn about a data structure with matching algorithms, before moving
on to the next data structure.
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Further into the tutorial the concepts become more complex, and it is therefore a good idea to
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learn DSA by doing the tutorial step-by-step from the start.
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And as mentioned on the previous page, you should be comfortable in at least one of the most
common programming languages, like for example JavaScript, C or Python, before doing this
tutorial.
On the next page we will look at two different algorithms that prints out the first 100 Fibonacci
numbers using only primitive data structures (two integer variables). One algorithm uses a loop,
and one algorithm uses something called recursion.
Click the 'Next' button to continue.
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