# Data Structures and Algorithms Class Notes
## Course Overview
This course covers the fundamental concepts of data structures and algorithms,
focusing on their design, implementation, and analysis.
## Key Concepts
### 1. Data Structures
- **Definition:** A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data to
enable efficient access and modification.
#### Common Data Structures:
1. **Arrays**
- Fixed-size, contiguous memory allocation.
- Access time: O(1) for indexed access.
2. **Linked Lists**
- A collection of nodes, each containing data and a reference to the next node.
- Types: Singly linked list, doubly linked list, circular linked list.
3. **Stacks**
- Last In, First Out (LIFO) structure.
- Operations: Push (add), Pop (remove), Peek (view top element).
4. **Queues**
- First In, First Out (FIFO) structure.
- Operations: Enqueue (add), Dequeue (remove), Front (view front element).
5. **Hash Tables**
- Key-value pairs for efficient data retrieval.
- Average time complexity for search, insert, and delete: O(1).
6. **Trees**
- Hierarchical structure with nodes connected by edges.
- Types: Binary trees, binary search trees, AVL trees, and heaps.
### 2. Algorithms
- **Definition:** An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or
performing a task.
#### Common Algorithm Types:
1. **Sorting Algorithms**
- **Bubble Sort:** Simple comparison-based sorting algorithm. Time complexity:
O(n^2).
- **Quick Sort:** Divide-and-conquer algorithm. Average time complexity: O(n log
n).
- **Merge Sort:** Stable sorting algorithm using divide-and-conquer. Time
complexity: O(n log n).
2. **Searching Algorithms**
- **Linear Search:** Sequentially checks each element. Time complexity: O(n).
- **Binary Search:** Efficient search on sorted arrays. Time complexity: O(log
n).
3. **Graph Algorithms**
- **Depth-First Search (DFS):** Explores as far as possible along each branch
before backtracking.
- **Breadth-First Search (BFS):** Explores all neighbors at the present depth
before moving on to nodes at the next depth level.
## Conclusion
Understanding data structures and algorithms is crucial for efficient problem-
solving in computer science. Mastery of these concepts is essential for software
development and technical interviews.