Data Structures

Data Structures are containers for values or data organized in a specific way to perform specific operation(s) efficiently. Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees. Data structures can be used as building blocks for solving data-related problems. You likely use various data structures in your day-to-day life, even if you don’t realize it. Here are a few examples in which you may see real-world examples of data structures outside of software:

• Library Bookshelves: Libraries are organized using a data structure similar to an array or list, where books are stored in a specific order, often based on genres, authors, or the Dewey Decimal System.
• Supermarket Aisles: Supermarkets use data structures like queues (for checkout lines) and arrays (for organizing products on shelves) to optimize customer flow.
• Phone Directories: Phonebooks are organized using data structures like dictionaries or hash tables to allow for quick lookups of names and corresponding phone numbers.
• Mail Sorting: Post offices use data structures such as priority queues to sort and distribute mail efficiently, ensuring timely delivery.

Algorithms are step-by-step instructions for solving specific problems. They manipulate data stored in data structures. Common algorithms are designed to sort data or search for data within a data structure, but algorithms may also be written to solve more specific problems. Similarly, you likely use some common algorithms in your daily life. Here’s a few real-world examples:

• Shopping List: Grocery lists are often sorted by aisle to optimize a shopping trip to allow you to gather similar items around the same time.

Data Structures & Algorithms is a common topic in software engineering careers because of its aide in solving real-world problems through software. Because of this, it is a common topic in software engineering courses and often asked as part of the interview process for software development jobs. The following tutorials will guide you through real examples of data structures and algorithms that you may find in the real-world.