Intro to Data Structures and Algorithms

Overview

Technical interviews follow a pattern. If you know the pattern, you’ll be a step ahead of the competition. This course will introduce you to common data structures and algorithms in Python. You'll review frequently-asked technical interview questions and learn how to structure your responses.

You will answer practice problems and quizzes to test your abilities. Then you'll practice mock interviews to get specific recommendations for improvement. Be ready for anything the technical interviewer throws at you.

Syllabus

Introduction and Efficiency

Basic introduction to topics covered in this course.,Leand the definition of efficiency as well as an explanation of the notation commonly used to describe efficiency.,Practice describing efficiency with code snippets.

List-Based Collections

Learn the formal definition of a list, see definitions and examples of list-based data structures, arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues.,Examine the efficiency of common list methods, and practice using and manipulating these data structures.

Searching and Sorting

Explore how to search and sort with list-based data structures, including binary search and bubble, merge, and quick sort.,Examine the efficiency of each and learn how to use recursion in searching and sorting.,See and write examples of these methods, as well as more sorting algorithms like insertion sort.

Maps and Hashing

Understand the concepts of sets, maps (dictionaries), and hashing.,Examine common problems and approaches to hashing, and practice with examples of hash tables and hash maps.

Trees

Learn the concepts and terminology associated with tree data structures.,Investigate common tree types, such as binary search trees, heaps, and self-balancing trees.,See examples of common tree traversal techniques, examine the efficiency of traversals and common tree functions, and practice manipulating trees.

Graphs

Examine the theoretical concept of a graph and understand common graph terms, coded representations, properties, traversals, and paths.,Practice manipulating graphs and determining the efficiency associated with graphs.

Case Studies in Algorithms

Explore famous computer science problems, specifically the Shortest Path Problem, the Knapsack Problem, and the Traveling Salesman Problem.,Learn about brute-force, greedy, and dynamic programming solutions to such problems.

Technical Interviewing Techniques

Learn about the “algorithm” for answering common technical interviewing questions.,See how to clarify and explain practice interview questions using the concepts taught in this course, and get tips for giving interviewers exactly what they’re looking for in an interview.