Course Introduction
This course is designed for placement preparation and will mainly cover data
structures and algorithms using C and C++. Even if you do not know C++, you will
still be able to follow along easily. The notes will be made available as a PDF in
the description below.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Data structures are used to arrange data in main memory for efficient usage while
algorithms are a sequence of steps to solve a given problem. In this course, we
will cover arrays, linked lists, and graphs as examples of data structures and dive
into solving problems using different algorithms.
Programming Languages
C and C++ will be the primary languages used in this course but Java can also be
used to implement the algorithms. I do not recommend Python or JavaScript for
beginners but rather suggest learning C to get a solid foundation in programming.
Conclusion
Learning data structures and algorithms is a responsibility and I will teach this
course in a way that is easy to understand for beginners. Don't worry if you make
mistakes or have trouble at first, just follow along step by step and everything
will become clear.
Data Structures & Algorithms for Placements
This course is primarily for those preparing for placements or job interviews.
Time is limited when preparing for placements, so this course is structured to
value your time. A 15-hour video on C with notes is available on the channel, which
will be covered first. If you're an advanced Java user or can program algorithms in
Python, then it's possible to do so. However, it's recommended to learn C and C++
first.
Data structure is an arrangement of data in main memory, which refers to RAM
(Random Access Memory) of 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 GB. The sequence of RAM usage is
important when loading a program like "chrome.exe" for Windows. Fiddling with data
occurs in main memory, which must be arranged optimally using data structures to
minimize RAM usage.
The theory of databases is not covered in this course, but you should know their
basic concepts. When opening a new tab, a large amount of data is stored in a
database that must be retrieved and updated regularly. Data warehouses store data
permanently for faster retrieval and updation for analysis purposes. Legacy data
needs to be stored separately from the main system.
Sorting Algorithms
The example used here is sorting arrays in ascending or descending order. An
algorithm is a series of steps to create a process. When sorting an array, steps
must be taken to sort in ascending or descending order. The steps taken to sort an
algorithm into an array define the algorithm.
Data Warehousing and Big Data
Data is the fuel of big algorithms these days, so it's essential not to lose the
data. To prevent data loss, the data is separated from the main system and stored
in what is known as legacy data. Data warehousing, on the other hand, deals with
how to store legacy data efficiently in different types of algorithms, analysis,
and distributed systems that can handle huge databases that regular applications or
algorithms cannot. Big data is a separate field that requires a different set of
, algorithms and analysis.
It's essential to understand data warehousing and big data, though they are beyond
the scope of this course. Do not use these terms, but understand their
significance. The best way to learn data structures and algorithms is to study C
programming, specifically stacks and heaps. In the context of C programming,
understand that the memory layout of a C program is divided into segments, such as
the stack, heap, and segments for static and global variables.
Memory Layout of a C Program
The stack frame or activation record of the main function is always created first,
and subsequent activation records of other functions such as fun1 and fun2 are
created when called. Variables are created in their respective activation records.
To better understand memory usage, think of it as "looking back at your memory" and
"reading your memory back from the page" to see what you need to access.
Understanding memory usage helps you to be able to optimize your algorithms and
take full advantage of available resources.
Understanding Heap Memory
When writing code, variables are stored in memory in a space called the stack. As
functions are called, these variables are added to the stack and are removed once
the functions have completed execution. However, in addition to the stack, there is
also a space called the heap, which can be used to allocate memory dynamically
through the use of pointers.
Pointer Basics
A pointer is a variable that stores the address of a memory location. In C, you can
use the malloc function to request dynamic memory in the heap, while in C++, you
can use the new operator. You use pointers to request the memory and to access it
later.
Heap Memory
The heap is a large pool of memory in your computer's RAM that can be allocated
using a pointer. By requesting memory from the heap, you can store more complex
data structures than you would be able to in the stack.
Time and Space Complexity
Efficient use of memory is an important part of writing algorithms and data
structures. Using the heap is one way to optimize your code and use memory more
efficiently. Time and space complexity are both important considerations when
designing algorithms.
This is how the C program is run inside our memory. In the coming videos, we will
focus on data structures and algorithms.
It is a prerequisite to know a little bit about it. I will use these terms, and
understanding of this is necessary when we will see linked list, array, and binary
search tree.
I recommend learning C and C++ to prepare data structures and algorithms for any
product-based company.
I have made a 15-hour long video of C with notes the way I have given this video
with notes. I hope you like this video. If you don't know C properly, then I have a
15-hour long video. You must definitely learn this.
When you go for an interview, then the person in front of you will expect C, C++,
or Java from you. You must know one of these three languages. You will be taken
lightly over there. If you are only a Python and JavaScript programmer, then you