Data
structure is a fundamental course for computer science student. It is not only
related to hardware, like coding theory, storage and access method, but also highly
related to software; operating system has to be considered about the data
allocation problem. So data structure is
a core course that centralizes mathematics, computer software and hardware.
A data structure is a particular way of
storing and organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently. Data
structures are often related to efficient retrieval algorithms and indexing
techniques. Usually,
well-chosen data structure results in greater operating or storage efficiency. Different
task need to find different data structure, and some are only fit to specific
structure. For example, B-trees are particularly well-suited for implementation
of databases, while compiler implementations usually use hash tables to look up
identifiers.
http://www.informatik.uni-trier.de/~naeher/Professur/
There are
some common data structures: Array stores
elements in a specific order. Record is a
value that contains other values. Hash table
allows name value pairs freely added or deleted. Tree is
generally used for sorting and searching. Graph can be
used to represent networks.
The fundamental
step to start a program is to find a suitable data structure, so be sure you can both
understand and choose the right structure for your program.
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4d306b80010008nb.html
Hi, Wenjing,
ReplyDeleteThis post is informative and clear. It lets me review my knowledge about data structures again. Just like you said, the different data structure has different practical use. Trees are mainly used for Parsers and Filesystem. Hash Table is often used for fast data lookup - symbol table for compilers, database indexing, caches,Unique data representation. One of the basic data structures is Array which is the first one data structure I learned.
I also agree with you that the fundamental step to start a program is to find a suitable data structure. Only when you find the suitable "box" of storing and organizing data, you can write right and efficient codes.
In sum, this article is really good.
Hi Wenjing,
ReplyDeleteGood post on the importance of data structures. It summarizes the distinctions well, like why choosing a particular structure is beneficial and further clarified by example. The list of generic uses for different structures are also a very nice addition, clear and concise.