Introduction to Data
Structures and
Algorithms
Building Blocks of Effi cient Programming
Definition
Data structure is representation of the logical
relationship existing between individual elements of
data.
In other words, a data structure is a way of organizing
all data items that considers not only the elements
stored but also their relationship to each other.
What Are Data Structures and
Algorithms?
Data Structure s
ØOrgan ized ways to store and manage data.
Exam ple s : Arrays, L in ked Lists, Trees, Graphs.
Algorithm s
ØStep-by-step procedu res to solve problems.
Exam ple s : Search in g, Sorting, Optim ization.
Program = Algorithm + Data Structure
Why Learn Data Structures and
Algorithms?
ØEffi ciency: Write faster and more effi cient
programs.
ØProblem-Solving: Approach complex
problems systematically.
ØScalability: Build solutions that work well
with large data sets.
ØCareer Growth: Essential for technical
interviews and software development roles.
Classification of Data Structure
Data structure
Primitive DS Non-Primitive DS
Integer Float Character Pointer
Classification of Data Structure
Non-Primitive DS
Linear List Non-Linear List
Array Queue Graph Trees
Link List Stack
Linear Structures
Arrays
Linked Lists
Common Data Stacks
Structures Queues
Non-Linear Structures
Trees
Graphs
Hash Tables
Searching
• Linear Search
• Binary Search
Key Algorithms
Graph Algorithms Sorting
• Breadth-First Search (BFS) • Bubble Sort
• Depth-First Search (DFS) • Merge Sort
• Quick Sort
How to Approach Problem-Solving?
Understand the Problem: Define inputs, outputs, and constraints.
Choose a Data Structure: Identify the best fit based on
requirements.
Design the Algorithm: Plan the steps and edge cases.
Implement and Test: Write code and validate with test cases.
Importance of Data Structures in Programming and Software
Development
Building efficient, scalable, and maintainable software
With sufficient understanding of data structure, data can be organized and
stored in a proper manner for efficient usage.
Space complexity and Time complexity issues can be reduced by using
proper data structures.
Choosing the right data structure is critical for achieving an optimal balance
between time and space complexity. It depends on the problem
requirements, input size, and constraints.
Time Complexity Reduction
Proper data structures allow algorithms to perform operations more
efficiently
Example: Searching for an element:
• Using an array takes more time
• Using a hash table takes less time.
Space Complexity Reduction
Efficient data structures minimize memory usage
Example: Storing hierarchical data:
• Using a linked list requires additional memory for pointers.
• A binary tree can balance trade-offs between traversal efficiency and memory
usage.
Real-World
Applications
Web Development: Social Networks: E-commerce: Search Machine Learning:
Data pre-processing
Routing algorithms in Graphs to model and recommendation
and optimization
navigation. connections. engines.
algorithms.
•Recap: Data structures and algorithms
are foundational for programming.
•Next Steps: Explore advanced topics
like dynamic programming and advanced
data structures.
•Call to Action: Start practicing with
coding challenges on platforms like
LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codeforces.
