IT1815 Data Structures and Algorithms

Questions and Answers

What characterizes linear recursion?

The function does not call itself.

The function calls itself multiple times with the same arguments.

The function terminates without a base case.

The function calls itself once for each invocation. (correct)

Which of the following is a requirement for a recursive algorithm to function correctly?

The algorithm should not change any data.

There must be a base case to stop the recursion. (correct)

The algorithm must always modify its parameters.

A loop must be included to terminate execution.

What happens in infinite recursion?

The function switches between multiple methods.

The recursive function stops making calls.

The recursive function successfully reaches the base case.

The recursive function calls itself indefinitely. (correct)

What distinguishes tail recursion from other types of recursion?

The recursive call is the very last operation of the function. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the iterative process?

It terminates when a certain condition is proven false. Signup and view all the answers

What type of recursion occurs when one method invokes another method that eventually calls back the original method?

Indirect recursion Signup and view all the answers

In recursion, what does the concept of changing state refer to?

Modifying some data that the algorithm is using to approach the base case. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding memory usage in recursion compared to iteration?

Recursion typically uses more memory due to additional function calls. Signup and view all the answers

Which data structure operates on a Last-In, First-Out basis?

Stack Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a queue data structure?

The first element added is the first to be removed. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main operations defined for each Abstract Data Type (ADT)?

Initializing, Adding, Accessing, Removing Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithm design paradigm reuses the results of overlapping subproblems?

Dynamic Programming Signup and view all the answers

What type of data structure uses a complete binary tree where parent-child relationships are defined by node values?

Heap Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data structure allows for sequential access of elements?

Linear Data Structures Signup and view all the answers

Which operation in a linked list specifically aims to remove an element or elements from the list?

Delete Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of an algorithm ensures it will stop executing after a certain number of steps?

Finiteness Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining feature of a priority queue?

Elements are processed based on their natural or custom order. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a circular linked list?

The last node's right pointer holds the address of the first node. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about linked lists as compared to arrays?

Linked lists can expand in size while arrays cannot. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes recursion?

A function that calls itself to solve smaller instances of a problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using Abstract Data Types (ADTs)?

Code becomes harder to understand. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a linked list from a stack?

Linked lists allow direct access to elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of definiteness in the context of an algorithm?

Each instruction must be clear and unambiguous. Signup and view all the answers

What operation would you use to display the elements in a linked list?

Display Signup and view all the answers

What does the count operation return in a linked list?

The total number of elements in the list Signup and view all the answers

In what way can the implementation of an ADT be changed?

Without impacting the programs that use it. Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithm design paradigm is characterized by breaking a problem into smaller subproblems?

Divide and Conquer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a graph in data structures?

A set of vertices and edges representing relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of input in an algorithm?

Input provides well-defined data before the algorithm starts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the pointer field in a linked list node?

To provide a reference to the next node in the sequence Signup and view all the answers

In a singly linked list, what does the last node's pointer field point to?

Null, indicating no more successive elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a doubly linked list?

It includes an additional pointer to the preceding node. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the first node in a linked list?

Head Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of linked lists allows them to utilize memory efficiently?

Dynamic allocation of each element during runtime Signup and view all the answers

In a linked list, what is referred to as the successor?

The next node in the sequence Signup and view all the answers

How is a node in a linked list visually represented?

By placing the node’s address above its data field and linking to the next node Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of indicating null in the pointer field of the last node?

It marks the end of the linked list. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Structures

Data structures store and organize data in specific formats, facilitating efficient access and modification.
Two main types:
- Linear: Elements accessed sequentially; can be stored non-sequentially.
- Non-Linear: Elements stored and accessed non-sequentially.

Abstract Data Types (ADTs)

ADTs define a logical view of data along with permissible operations.
Key operations for ADTs: initializing, adding, accessing, removing data.
Benefits of ADTs include code simplification and the ability to change implementations without affecting programs using them.
Parts of an ADT:
- Public/External: Data and allowable operations.
- Private/Internal: Data representation and implementation specifics.

Examples of Abstract Data Types

Linked List: Stores elements as separate objects, with each pointing to the next (successor).
Stack: Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) structure.
Queue: First-In, First-Out (FIFO) structure.
Tree: Hierarchical data representation.
Priority Queue: Processed based on priority rather than order.
Set: Unique collection of elements.
Map: Ordered pairs used as keys and values.

Algorithms

Step-by-step instructions for problem-solving.
Characteristics:
- Finiteness: Must terminate after a certain number of steps.
- Definiteness: Instructions must be clear and unambiguous.
- Input: Can have zero or more defined inputs.
- Output: One or more results related to the input.
- Uniqueness: Each step’s outcome relies on its input or prior results.

Recursion

A function calling itself to solve problems.
Types of recursion:
- Linear: Calls itself once per invocation.
- Direct: Calls itself directly.
- Indirect: Invokes another method leading back to itself.
- Tail: Recursive call as the last operation.

Recursion vs. Iteration

Recursion: Ends when the base case is met, requires extra memory for each call.
Iteration: Continues based on false condition, shares memory space.

Linked List Basics

Each element (node) is a separate object, accessed sequentially.
Node Composition:
- Data field: Contains the element's value.
- Pointer field: Contains the address of the next node.

Types of Linked Lists

Singly Linked List: Basic structure, one link to the next node.
Doubly Linked List: Each node has links to both next and previous nodes.
Circular Linked List: Last node points back to the first node.

Operations of a Linked List

Display: Shows elements.
Insert: Adds elements to the list.
Delete: Removes specific elements.
Count: Returns number of elements.
Search: Finds specific elements.

Linked List vs. Array

Linked lists can expand in size dynamically, while arrays have fixed sizes upon creation.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms, including concepts such as graphs, nodes, and the main operations associated with abstract data types (ADTs). Test your understanding of the organization and storage of data in computing. It's perfect for students looking to solidify their knowledge in IT1815.