Data Structures Fundamentals

Data Structures

Definition

• A data structure is a way to organize and store data in a computer so that it can be efficiently accessed and modified.

Types of Data Structures

• Arrays:
  • A collection of elements of the same data type stored in contiguous memory locations.
  • Elements can be accessed using an index or key.
• Linked Lists:
  • A collection of elements, each of which points to the next element.
  • Elements can be added or removed dynamically.
• Stacks:
  • A last-in, first-out (LIFO) data structure.
  • Elements are added and removed from the top of the stack.
• ** Queues**:
  • A first-in, first-out (FIFO) data structure.
  • Elements are added to the end and removed from the front of the queue.
• Trees:
  • A hierarchical data structure with nodes and edges.
  • Each node has a value and zero or more child nodes.
• Graphs:
  • A non-linear data structure with nodes and edges.
  • Nodes can have multiple edges and connections.

Python

Overview

• Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language.
• It is known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of use.

Features

• Indentation-based syntax: uses indentation to denote code blocks.
• Dynamic typing: variable types are determined at runtime.
• Object-oriented: supports classes, objects, and inheritance.
• Large standard library: includes modules for various tasks, such as file I/O, networking, and data structures.

Data Structures in Python

• Lists: Python's built-in implementation of arrays and linked lists.
• Tuples: immutable lists.
• Dictionaries: Python's implementation of hash tables.
• Sets: unordered collections of unique elements.

Python Syntax

• Variables: assigned using the = operator.
• Control structures: if statements, for loops, while loops.
• Functions: defined using the def keyword.
• Modules: imported using the import statement.

Data Structures

Definition and Types

• A data structure is a way to organize and store data in a computer for efficient access and modification.
• Types of data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.

Arrays

• A collection of elements of the same data type stored in contiguous memory locations.
• Elements can be accessed using an index or key.

Linked Lists

• A collection of elements, each of which points to the next element.
• Elements can be added or removed dynamically.

Stacks

• A last-in, first-out (LIFO) data structure.
• Elements are added and removed from the top of the stack.

Queues

• A first-in, first-out (FIFO) data structure.
• Elements are added to the end and removed from the front of the queue.

Trees

• A hierarchical data structure with nodes and edges.
• Each node has a value and zero or more child nodes.

Graphs

• A non-linear data structure with nodes and edges.
• Nodes can have multiple edges and connections.

Python Overview

Features and Characteristics

• Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language.
• It is known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of use.
• Features include indentation-based syntax, dynamic typing, object-oriented programming, and a large standard library.

Data Structures in Python

Built-in Data Structures

• Lists: Python's implementation of arrays and linked lists.
• Tuples: immutable lists.
• Dictionaries: Python's implementation of hash tables.
• Sets: unordered collections of unique elements.

Python Syntax

Variables and Control Structures

• Variables are assigned using the = operator.
• Control structures include if statements, for loops, and while loops.

Functions and Modules

• Functions are defined using the def keyword.
• Modules are imported using the import statement.