Book Image

Beginning Java Data Structures and Algorithms

By : James Cutajar
Book Image

Beginning Java Data Structures and Algorithms

By: James Cutajar

Overview of this book

Learning about data structures and algorithms gives you a better insight on how to solve common programming problems. Most of the problems faced everyday by programmers have been solved, tried, and tested. By knowing how these solutions work, you can ensure that you choose the right tool when you face these problems. This book teaches you tools that you can use to build efficient applications. It starts with an introduction to algorithms and big O notation, later explains bubble, merge, quicksort, and other popular programming patterns. You’ll also learn about data structures such as binary trees, hash tables, and graphs. The book progresses to advanced concepts, such as algorithm design paradigms and graph theory. By the end of the book, you will know how to correctly implement common algorithms and data structures within your applications.
Table of Contents (12 chapters)

Summary


In this chapter, we have introduced graphs, formalized what they are and shown two different ways to represent them in computer programs. Afterwards, we took a look at ways of traversing graphs, using them as building blocks for building more complex algorithms on top. Then, we looked at two different algorithms for finding shortest paths in a graph.

At the end of this book, we provide pointers for curious students to study on their own. The world of data structures and algorithms is vast and requires a type of mathematical reasoning for which some study and practice is required. However, one of the most rewarding feelings in the life of a software engineer is coming up with a clever algorithms to solve a complex problems.