Data Structures
& Algorithms
M H B Ariyaratne
Program
A computer program is a
sequence of instructions that
will automate performing a
specific task or solve a given
problem.
Run correctly
Run efficiently
Good Be easy to read and understand
Programs
Be easy to debug
Be easy to modify
Algorithms +
Data
Structures =
Programs
Algorithm “a finite sequence of instructions, each of which has
a clear meaning and can be performed with a finite
s amount of effort in a finite length of time”
Manipulate data in data structures in various ways
Often associate with data structures.
A sequence of instructions that accomplishes a task
Algorithm in a finite period
Receives zero or more inputs
s Produces at least one output
Consists of clear and unambiguous instructions
Terminates after a finite number of steps
Precise enough to be understood by human
Algorithm Since computers are quite inflexible, in order
to be executed by a computer, need a
s programming language and need to contain
more details than algorithms
What is it supposed to do? Specification
Algorithms -
Does it really do what it is supposed to do?
Fundamental Verification
questions How efficiently does it do it? Performance analysis
What is a Data Structure?
A data structure is a way of organising and storing data in a computer so
it can be used efficiently.
It supports operations like insertion, searching, modification, and deletion.
Built-in data structures include arrays, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and
graphs.
Custom data structures are defined by programmers to model real-world
entities:
E.g. Patient, Order, Investigation, Bill
Combine related attributes (like name, age, lab test) and behaviours (like
calculate BMI, generate bill).
Choosing the right data structure improves performance, maintainability,
and clarity of code.
Why Data Structures Matter
Efficient algorithms rely on well-organised data.
A data structure defines a specific way to arrange and store data.
Helps perform key operations like insertion, deletion, searching, and sorting
efficiently.
Choosing the right data structure can drastically improve performance and
scalability.
Poor data organisation leads to slower programs and increased complexity.
Essential in solving real-world problems using computers.
Understanding data structures is foundational for writing reliable software.
Data Structure
An Arrangement of Date in a computer's memory
A particular way of organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently
A key organizing factor in software design
Data Structure Classification & Examples
Primitive
Character
Integer
Float
Non-primitive
Arrays
Queue
Lists
Stacks
Data Structure Operations
Insert
Delete
Traverse
Search
Sort
Problems sorted with Data
Structures & Algorithms
Real world data storage
Patient
Name
Date of Birth
Age
Weight
Height
Blood Pressure
Programmers tools
Not Real World Data
For the use of the Program Itself
Modeling
Graphs, Plane routes,
Examples - Calculating the BMI
Data Structures
Float for height variable
Float for weight variable
Float for BMI variable
Algorithm
Get height
Get weight
Calculate BMI by weight / (height * height)
Assign calculate value to BMI variable
Print BMI
Thank you
