Data Structures & Algorithms Course

Course Description

Welcome to the Data Structures & Algorithms course, an intermediate-level computer science program that builds upon your existing Java programming knowledge. This comprehensive course, derived from the on-campus version of CS1332 at the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology, offers a deep dive into essential data structures and algorithms. You'll explore everything from basic arrays to complex linked lists, stacks, queues, and more, all while developing a strong understanding of time complexity and efficiency.

What Students Will Learn

  • Advanced Java programming techniques, including generics, references, and interfaces
  • Principles of data storage in Node objects
  • Implementation of various low-level data structures (Singly, Doubly, and Circular LinkedLists)
  • Design and implementation of Abstract Data Types (ADTs) like Lists, Stacks, and Queues
  • Analysis of time complexity and efficiency of linear data structures and algorithms
  • Amortized analysis for Arrays, ArrayLists, Stacks, and Queues
  • Recursive methods for operating on linear data structures
  • Extension of concepts to more advanced structures like PriorityQueues and Deques

Prerequisites

  • Basic knowledge of the Java programming language
  • Understanding of object-oriented programming principles

Course Coverage

  • Review of important Java techniques and object-oriented design principles
  • Time complexity and asymptotic analysis
  • Arrays and ArrayLists
  • Recursion
  • LinkedLists (Singly, Doubly, and Circular)
  • Stacks, Queues, and Deques
  • Abstract Data Types (ADTs)
  • Amortized analysis
  • Edge cases and efficiency considerations

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for intermediate-level computer science students, software developers, and programming enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of data structures and algorithms. It's perfect for those looking to enhance their problem-solving skills, improve code efficiency, and prepare for technical interviews or advanced programming roles.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are fundamental to software development and computer science. They will enable you to:

  1. Write more efficient and optimized code
  2. Solve complex programming problems with ease
  3. Improve your performance in technical interviews
  4. Design better software architectures
  5. Enhance your ability to work on large-scale software projects
  6. Understand and implement advanced data management systems

Syllabus

Module 0: Introduction and Review

  • Review of important Java principles involved in object-oriented design
  • The Iterator & Iterable design patterns, and the Comparable & Comparator interfaces
  • Basic "Big-Oh" notation and asymptotic analysis

Module 1: Arrays, ArrayLists and Recursion

  • The array class, access vs. search of an array, static allocation and efficiency
  • The List abstract data type (ADT) which is backed by an array and uses dynamic resizing and amortized analysis
  • Recursive methods that are applied to the array and ArrayList data structures

Module 2: LinkedLists

  • The Singly LinkedList data structure, its implementation, methods and time complexity
  • The use of the iterable interface and recursive methods in LinkedLists
  • Creating variations of LinkedLists such as Doubly-Linked and Circularly-Linked

Module 3: Stacks, Queues, and Deques

  • The Stack ADT based on the last-in, first-out principle, and its implementations using Arrays and LinkedLists
  • The Queue ADT based on the first-in, first-out principle, and its implementations using Arrays and LinkedLists
  • Creating variations of Stacks and Queues such as Priority Queues and Deques

Course Structure

This course offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, featuring short instructional videos, exploratory labs with visualization tools, comprehension questions, and hands-on Java coding assignments. With a well-structured grading system (10% comprehension questions, 60% coding assignments, 30% final exam), you'll have ample opportunity to demonstrate your growing mastery of these crucial computer science concepts.