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CS261

CS261. Data Structures Winter 2011 Professor Timothy Budd. Why data structures. By this point, you have learned the mechanics of coding - variables, loops, etc

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CS261

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  1. CS261 Data Structures Winter 2011 Professor Timothy Budd

  2. Why data structures • By this point, you have learned the mechanics of coding - variables, loops, etc • This course will help you take the next step in becoming a programming, learning higher level skills, such as abstraction, modularization, correctness, efficiency.

  3. Administrivia • Go over administrivia - • Two midterms, one final • Several programming assignments, several homeworks • Recitations used for learning programming skills, course will deal more with concepts

  4. More administrivia • I’m found in KEC 3049 • OH: MWF 1:30 - 3:00 for now • Two TA’s: they will each hold office hours as well in KEC lobby (see web page)

  5. Textbook • Textbook is on-line, also with links to many articles (wikipedia and so on) for further information. You should print it out • Textbook begins with material you should already have seen - read chapters 1 to 5 immediately.

  6. Active Learning • At times, this course uses a technique termed Active Learning • Worksheets, not every day, but often. • Worksheets can be done in groups, helping each other • They are gathered and recorded, but only lightly graded

  7. Why Data Structures? • The study of data structures is considered the cornerstone and starting point for systematic examination of computer science • Notice I said computer science, not just programming

  8. Ubiquitous • Certain collection classes are found in almost every nontrivial program • Knowing these keeps you from having to reinvent the wheel

  9. Vocabulary • The common data structures have well known names • Helps provide a vocabulary that is shared by all computer professionals

  10. Abstraction • Data structures are one of the easiest ideas to visualize abstractly • Abstraction is the key idea used by computer professionals to control complexity.

  11. Information Hiding and Large Projects • An important part of abstraction is information hiding - what details do you NOT need to know? • Key to modern large software projects • What does programmer A NOT need to know to use the work of programmer B?

  12. Tools and Techniques • The analysis of data structures provides a good vehicle to learn a variety of mathematical and other analytical techniques • Recursion, big-Oh, counting arguments, proof of correctness

  13. Design Pattern format • A very useful and recent tool • Design patterns provide a way to document proven solutions to common problems • More importantly, provide a vocabulary • Grew out of OO world, starting to become common everywhere else

  14. Features of Design pattern • Problem: Short statement of problem • Solution: Abstract characteristics • Forces: Reasons for using pattern • Counter-Forces: Reasons for NOT using pattern • Example

  15. ADTs, interfaces and Implementations • On to next topic - ADTs

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