GTx: Data Structures & Algorithms I: ArrayLists, LinkedLists, Stacks and Queues

by The Georgia Institute of Technology

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:

Write more efficient and optimized code
Solve complex programming problems with ease
Improve your performance in technical interviews
Design better software architectures
Enhance your ability to work on large-scale software projects
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.

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