Datastructures and algorithms are essential to computer science, which is the study of data, its representation in memory, and its transformation from one form to another. In programming, we use datastructures to store and organize data, and we use algorithms to manipulate the data in those structures. The more you understand about datastructures and algorithms, the more efficient your Java programs will be.
This article launches a series introducing datastructures and algorithms. In Part 1, you’ll learn what a datastructure is and how datastructures are classified. You’ll also learn what an algorithm is, how algorithms are represented, and how to use time and space complexity functions to compare similar algorithms. Once you’ve got these basics, you’ll be ready to learn about searching and sorting with one-dimensional arrays in Part 2.
