All data structures can be divided into two broad categories:
In these types of data structures, all the components are organized sequentially, one after another. Since all the elements are arranged in a specific order, implementing them is much easier. However, linear data structures might not be a good choice for complex programs, as they might not be able to tackle the operational complexities.
Some popular linear data structures are -
The elements in Stack Data Structures are stored per the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle. Let us imagine a stack of plates. It is only natural that the last plate is on the top of the pile and will be removed first. This data structure works in a similar method where the last element stored in the stack gets removed first.
In this data structure model, the data components are connected through a series of nodes. Each node comprises the elements and the address to the adjacent node.
The data elements are stored in a serial memory where each array contains the same type of data elements. The programming language determines the data elements to be stored in the form of arrays.
The Queue Data Structures operate just the opposite way of Stack Data Structures. It uses the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle, where the first data component stored will get removed first.
Unlike Linear Data Structures, the data elements in Non-linear Data Structures are not arranged in any sequential order. Instead, the data elements are stored in multilevel, and multiple runs are required to traverse through all of them completely. Each data element can have multiple paths to travel to another data element.
The main Non-linear Data Structures are:
This data structure has a finite number of edges and vertices, the former used to connect with the latter. The data elements are stored in the vertices, and edges represent how the vertices are related to each other. The Graph Data Structure represents the network system and its principles in computer networks.
This data structure uses a collection of data elements known as nodes linked together to simulate hierarchy. Instead of storing the data elements sequentially, they are stored on multiple levels in a hierarchical structure. The topmost node is called the root node.
Data structures and algorithms are essential tools for every programmer. While there are many such data structures, some data structure programs are necessary for all programmers to know. All potential programmers looking to enter the field of data analysis need to be familiar with and learn the basic data structures. While you are free to come up with your own data structures running various experiments, you need to learn the data structures mentioned below:
Linear Data Structures: Linked, Arrays, Queues, and Stacks
Non-linear Data Structures: Trees and Graphs
Hash Table Data Structures
In this data structure, each data element is associated with a key before storing them. This makes it an efficient and easy way to insert and search data irrespective of the size. The method also makes it easy for you to identify a specific data set from a group of similar ones. The hash table uses a hash function to map any sized data set to a fixed size - this is called the hash table, and the values that the function returns are called hash values. This data structure is most commonly used to construct associative arrays, database indexes, and sets.
Well, there is no easy way or shortcut while learning about data structures and algorithms. As a programmer, it is absolutely essential that you make yourself familiar with the above-mentioned data structures. There is no need for you to write your own data structures since most are provided by every major Software Developing Kit (SDK), such as C++Standard Temple Library (STL) or Java Development Kit (JDK). However, a comprehensive understanding of data structures and algorithms is required to know where to use them effectively.
A beginner’s step-to-step guide on how to learn data structures and algorithms has been provided below:
Making Yourself Familiar With The Topics
The most critical step of learning data structures is to familiarize yourself with the topics and identify the best resources to do so. Before starting to learn, take care in finding the best available resources and the order in which you need to read about the topics. Aspirants can follow the order suggested below while learning about data structures and algorithms:
Data Structures | Algorithms |
Array | Searching |
String | Sorting |
Matrix | Hashing |
Linked List | Prefix sum |
Stack | Suffix sum |
Queue | Greedy |
Tree | Recursion |
Graph | Backtracking |
Search For the Best Available Resources
Once you have an idea about the topics you need to learn, it is time to look for the best available resources to do so. You can get hold of books, go through data structure and algorithm tutorials available online, and search for the best data structures and algorithms courses online.
Learn the Fundamentals
It is essential to learn and understand the basics of any topic before trying to master it. Spend time carefully understanding all the fundamentals of data structure and algorithms and practice every step of the process to solidify your learnings.
Aim for an In-depth Study
After having a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of the topics, go for the advanced data structures. Learn about the detailed applications of data structures and algorithms and their implementations. You need to practice every step and take mock tests available online to get the best results out of the learning process.
Be Consistent in Your Approach
Always remember that consistency is the key. Do not be erratic about the learning process and focus on consistency. Try to follow a consistent schedule while studying data structures and algorithms, take part regularly in online tests, solve problems daily, and practice as much as possible.
Coding interviews play a major role for aspirants looking for jobs in machine learning, software engineering, and data science. While most candidates are adept at using programming to solve daily-life research problems, questions about data structures pose an issue for them. Brush up on the fundamentals of the different data structures for most interview questions center around choosing the correct data structures and algorithms for the given problem. Read up on the basic and advanced data structures, data structure programs in C, and data structures and algorithms in Java and Python.
Some of the most commonly asked topics in interviews regarding data structures and algorithms are:
Reversing a linked list
Trapping Rain Water
Shortest Subarray with Sum at least K
Longest substring without repeating characters
Group Anagrams
Circular linked lists
Task Scheduler
Binary Tree Right Side View
Valid Parentheses
In an Array Data Structure, a collection of data elements are accumulated at adjacent memory locations. The basic idea behind this data structure model is to store similar types of multiple elements together, making it easier to calculate the position of each data element. You can add an offset to a base value to get the desired location. The base value is the memory location of the first element, typically denoted by the name of an array.
Linked lists are also a type of linear data structure like arrays. However, this data structure model does not store data elements at contiguous locations. Instead, the data elements are linked using pointers and include a series of connected nodes. Each node stores the address of the next date alongside the data.
The elements in Stack Data Structures are stored per the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle. In contrast, Queue Data Structures operate similarly to Stack Data Structures by storing elements according to the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle.
Trees data structure is a non-linear data structure that uses a collection of data elements known as nodes by linking them together to simulate hierarchy. The data elements are not stored sequentially. Instead, they are stored on multiple levels in a hierarchical structure.
Graphs data structures are another type of non-linear data structure possessing a finite number of edges and vertices. The data elements are stored in vertices, and the edges represent their connections. This type of data structure is used to denote the network system.
Hashing in a data structure is a technique of mapping keys and values in a hash table by using a hash function. The mapping efficiency is directly proportional to the efficiency of the hash function used. This process helps in faster access to data elements.
The Bitwise Algorithms are mainly used to manipulate bits in various ways and perform operations at the bit level. They are typically swift and frequently boost a program's efficiency.
The procedure of performing a computation or solving a problem is known as an algorithm. It serves as a detailed list of instructions to perform defined step-by-step actions in hardware or software-based routines. Algorithms are widely used throughout the different fields of the Information Technology (IT) sector.
An abstract data type is an abstraction of a data structure. It delivers the interface only to which a data structure must adhere. No specific details are provided regarding the programming language or how it should be implemented.
A Tree Data Structure having at most two children is known as a binary tree. The elements are named right and left child. A Binary Tree node contains the following parts.
A linked data structure consisting of a set of sequentially linked nodes is known as a doubly-linked list in computer science. Each linked node comprises three fields:
In our digital age, programming is a highly in-demand skill for all data analysts and software engineers. Data structures and algorithms form the fundamentals of programming. Hence, the high demand for data structures and algorithms courses among professionals and fresh job aspirants. Data structures are essential when it comes to solving a multitude of real-world complexities. Hence, all tech giants, like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Amazon, as well as product-based companies, focus on measuring the potential recruit’s expertise and knowledge regarding data structures and algorithms. A comprehensive understanding and a sound skill set in data structures and algorithms can increase your chances of getting hired by your dream company.
Different data structures and algorithms tutorials have their own set of prescribed syllabus and course materials for teaching data structures. Students can also read up about the syllabus online on their websites or check the books prescribed by their data structure course experts. We have provided a basic syllabus that all students looking to learn data structures and algorithms can follow:
Basic Data Structures: Arrays, Strings, Stacks, Queues
Asymptotic analysis (Big-O notation)
Basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation)
Sqrt(n) primality testing
Euclid’s GCD Algorithm
Basic Recursion
Greedy Algorithms
Basic Dynamic Programming
Naive string searching
O(n log) Sorting
Binary Searching
A 2018 report by Deloitte Access Economics forecasted that a massive 76% of businesses are planning to increase their expenditure to expand their data analytic capabilities within the next couple of years. Studies show that the global data science market is estimated to grow to USD 115 billion in 2023 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29%. Almost all industries will benefit from this growth of data structure industries, with the medicine companies, retail, transportation service providers, banking and finance, and education sectors standing to profit the most.
Data has bypassed oil and gold to become one of the most powerful commodities in the 21st century. With that, data science, analysis, and data structures play a major role in providing marketing and operational insights to any company. Data-driven insights address multiple concerns and help boost revenue and capture new markets. As all major business organizations are leaning toward Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Big Data, the demand for data analysts and data structure specialists has reached sky-high in India. Since 2012, the data science sector has witnessed an impressive hike of 650%, surpassing all other sectors. Hence, there is accelerating demand for data structures and algorithms online courses in India as many young professionals want to tap into this sector packed with high potential.
According to AmbitionBox, the salary of a data structure specialist in India varies from ₹2.3 Lakhs to ₹23.0 Lakhs. The average annual salary is estimated to be ₹7.5 Lakhs and the average estimated take-home salary of a data structure specialist is ₹55,730 - ₹57,127 per month.Factors on which Data Structure Specialist salary in India depends
Almost all salaries in India depend on some specified factors and that of a data structure specialist is no different. The top factors influencing the determination of the salary of a data structure specialist in India are:
The starting salaries depend on location and prevailing market rates, with them differing across companies. The starting salary of a data structure specialist in India is around ₹2.3 Lakhs per annum according to AmbitionBox.
Salaries of data structure specialists will vary from country to country and even city to city within the countries. Hence, a correct estimate regarding the salaries of data structure specialists is very hard to provide. America pays one of the highest annual salaries to data scientists. The following table aims to provide a rough estimate only regarding the salaries of data structure specialists worldwide, sourcing data from Glassdoor:
Country | Average Annual Salary |
America | Over $120,000 |
England | Over £27,000 |
Canada | Over $81,000 |
Australia | A$92,450 |
Singapore | S$55,000 |
Germany | €45,338 |
Denmark | DKK881,794 |
Malaysia | RM44127 |
The salary of a data structure specialist depends on various factors worldwide. Some of the notable factors are -
When it comes to paying data structure specialists, America pays the highest worldwide. The annual salary for an entry-level data structure specialist in the U.S. is USD 95,000, according to the 2016 Data Science Salary Survey by O’Reilly. The American data structure specialists earn an increment of USD 2,000-USD 2,500 per year of experience in the field. Australia ranks the second-highest in the world when it comes to paying data structure specialists.
1000+
Top Companies
50%
Average Salary Hike
Top 1%
Global Universities
Restaurant finder is a basic application that finds restaurants on the basis of their names and shows their details such as timings and menu.
True Value Seller is a static car selling and reselling website. It showcases different promotions and has a ‘Contact Us’ component.
Mobile Cart is a simple frontend application which allows authorised users to add different mobile phones and their respective information on a website which can then be viewed by different users.
The project aims to create a Phone Directory application which allows a user to add subscribers to a service by entering the subscriber’s name and phone number; and delete the subscriber if necessary.
With this application, which is named BookMyMovie, users can browse upcoming and released movies;
HireWheels is a car rental service application.
Data structures and algorithms can be used in Artificial Intelligence (AI), graphics, numerical and statistical analysis, simulation, and data management.
Linked lists can be considered as both linear and non-linear data structures based on the type of application they are being used for. If used for data storage, they are non-linear data structures, while they are considered linear when used for access strategies.
Stack Data Structures can be used for memory management, express evaluation, function calls, and backtracking.
Understanding the basics is a must accompanied by constant practice. Keep learning new concepts but do not forget to revise the basic concepts. Spaced repetition is the key!
Yes, you can. If you do not want to take a course on data structures and algorithms, you still can become a software developer. However, the number of companies where you can get placed might decrease significantly, as the majority of the software product-based companies look for candidates who know data structures and algorithms.
The primary reason for choosing an array over other data structures is its convenience. While using an array, we can easily get direct access to the elements by adding offset to the pointer. We can also look up any elements at the same time. The array size is never an issue, which is a major road bump for many data structures.
Stack is described as a linear data structure that follows the last-in-first-out (LIFO) principle to perform its operations. It stores the elements of the same data type only. On the other hand, Queue is another type of liner structure in which we can insert elements from one side of the list and delete them from the other. Queue follows the first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle. Like stack, it only stores elements of the same data type.
At first, you need to familiarise yourself with the fundamental components of tree data structure. Learn about Node, Root, Edge, Parent node, Child, Leaves, height and depth. Once you get familiar with the parts of a tree, you can go through specific types of trees, such as a binary tree. Then you can move towards learning tree algorithms such as DFS and BFS. After that, you can learn about the specific implementations of a tree data structure, such as finding values, deleting values, deleting nodes etc.
For most people, the data structure and algorithm course takes extra time, effort and practice. In the case of offline courses, the time is limited, and the pace of the course is not in your hand. Whereas in online mode, you can learn, practice and revise at your own pace. The online course also saves the time and effort you invest in transportation.
No, they are not. Data structure and algorithms are the first steps, and competitive programming is the next. Competitive programming is a sport where you solve different programming problems with the help of the knowledge you gained from data structure and algorithms. Hence, competitive programming helps you train your mind and become better at problem-solving and critical thinking.
The primary use of the hashing algorithm is to protect data integrity and digital signatures. It helps encrypt the communication between the web server and browser by generating session IDs for internet applications and data caching. Apart from that, some other applications of hashing algorithms include message digest, password verification, Rabin-Karp Algorithm, Game boards, graphics, linking file names and paths together etc.
Absolutely yes. If you have data structures and algorithms as a skill in your resume, you already have heightened your chances of getting placed. A data structure and algorithm course will help you solve the standard problems and give efficient programming insights. The course will enhance your critical thinking and enable you to choose the best option. Hence, if you want to become a good programmer, you should definitely go for a data structure and algorithm course.
The answer is yes. If you have completed your data structure and algorithm degree, you have a great opportunity in the IT industry. IT companies value candidates fluent in programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
There is a need for data structure and algorithms specialists in every software-based company. However, if you want to go for the big fish in the sea, you can add Google, Adobe, Microsoft, Apple, Canva, Amazon and Facebook to your list. In these firms, you can crack a salary between rupees 4,00,000 to 20,00,000 per annum.
The syllabus of fundamental level data structure and algorithms includes basic data structures such as Arrays, Strings, Stacks and Queues; basics of math operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation; Asymptomatic analysis, Euclid’s GCD Algorithm, Basic Recursion, Sqrt(n) primality testing; Greedy algorithm; Naive String searching; Basic Dynamic Programming; O(n logn) Sorting; Binary Searching etc.
Yes! Learning data structure and algorithms would help a software engineer easily perform data processing tasks. Thus, their scope of promotion or getting better pay becomes higher. The primary algorithm every software engineer should learn would be searching and sorting algorithms. This includes binary search, depth search, heap sort, quick sort, number of inversions etc.
Some of the best data structures and algorithm books in 2022 include ‘Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest and Stein; ‘Algorithms’ by Sedgewick and Wayne; ‘Grokking Algorithms’ by Bhargava; ‘Algorithms in a Nutshell’ by Heineman, Pollice and Selkow; ‘ Introduction to Algorithm: A Creative Approach by Manber; etc. These books provide basic to the pro level of understanding.
You can follow some basic guidelines to learn data structures and algorithms better. Firstly, make yourself well aware of the different data structures and algorithms topics such as Array, matrix, Stack, Queue, Tree, graph, Searching, Sorting, Hashing, Sum, Greedy etc. Then find the best resources for each of the topics. Learn the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms and go through the in-depth concepts one at a time. The main requirements throughout your journey will be consistency and persistence.