Data Structures and Algorithms are some of the most essential topics for programmers, both to get a job and to do well on a job.
Good knowledge of data structures and algorithms is the foundation of developing the high quality applications.
What is Algorithms?
Basically an algorithms is a process or set of rules which is used to solve a computer problem.
What is Algorithms used for?
Algorithms is used to solve a particular problem with the best approach.
There are different approaches to solve a problem. Some approaches take more time and effort and some don't according to programmers knowledge and experience on how they implements the best algorithm for that particular problem.
Let consider the task of searching an element in an array:
- Algorithm 1: Using Linear search.
- Algorithm 2: Using Binary search.
Linear search and Binary search, which one is faster? To get to know the faster one you have to get your hands dirty with data structures and algorithms.
Algorithm analysis (Big O Notation, Big Omega Notation, Big Theta Notation) is a technique that is used to measure the performance of the algorithms. Speed is one of the key parameters in determining the potential of an algorithm.
There are some other factors like user-friendliness, security, maintainability, and usage space that determine the quality of an algorithm. Time and space complexity are metrics used to measure parameters.
To apply algorithms in programming, firstly you need to pick up one of computer programming language to implement the algorithms and then apply the usage of variables, loops, make the use of jump statements as it makes algorithms run smoothly using little space of memory, or use the break to terminate the process, and so on.
What is Data Structures?
Data Structures is a particular way of organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently.
What is Data Structures used for?
Data Structures is used to organize the storage and retrieval of information stored in both main memory(Known as RAM) and secondary memory(Known as Hard Disks).
You know? Data Structures is a core key factor in software design.
A data structure is selected or designed to store data for the purpose of applying with various algorithms.
Summary
All the above points give you a clear understanding that how the organizing of data is really important in programmers day to day life.
Data structures along with algorithms is a core key of computer science.
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