Algorithmic Design & Data Structure Technique Application (For Beginners)

 Good evening fellow Java'ers!

    When it comes to Algorithmic design and data structure techniques, there are some basic needs you will need to cover in order to begin the journey!

    Most of the time when we hear algorithms, we think mathematics. This would be pretty accurate with Algorithmic Design due to the nature associated with mathematical process or method when attempting to solve a problem or create new algorithms. While there are many different algorithm designs, the most used are the Bottom-up and Top-down. Bottom-up refers to the picking apart a complex program and solving it, where a Top-down approach breaks down the "big" problem into smaller segments until a solution is provided. There is a dependency on which algorithm should be utilized and that would typically revolve around the "need". Implementing either will produce results, however, if you are working in large, data heavy databases, then Bottom-up may be a more efficient means (Lysecky, R., Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Givargis, T., 2015). See video below regarding Algorithms (Note: This guy helps break it down and has helped me understand a lot):

    Next, Data Structure techniques, is best explained as the implementation of a data type, where a data type are the values built together through various operations. Arrays of contiguous memory and linked structures are the main sources of data structures. Stacks, queues, trees and lists are other forms that could be used in association with linked and array structures giving the user freedom of choice. Keep in mind though, the choice made will again be based on the "need" and the system capabilities. Some will run faster than others, while some will can take longer periods of time depending on the amount of data (Lysecky, R., Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Givargis, T., 2015. Check out this video regarding data structures for a well described breakdown:

    At the end of the day, there is no direct answer to what is better than the other. When programming and implementing administrative code, it is important to understand your environment. Without knowledge of the system and data associated with the programming, you will have essentially work on a trial basis to determine what works best for you. Thats the glory of being a beginner! You can learn, try, fail, and try again to help understand what suits you best. Knowing the problem helps because it will allow you to choose the code you would prefer and then implement the most efficient.

Good luck to you and stay tuned for next time!

Thanks for reading!

Josh

References:

Lysecky, R., Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Givargis, T. (2015). Data structures essentials. zyBooks. Section             1.1: Searching and Sorting Algorithms
Internet Made Coder. (2022, October 15). Algorithms explained for beginners - how I wish I was taught             [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkWemM03Lg
Internet Made Coder. (2022a, September 10). Data Structures Explained for Beginners - How I Wish I                 was Taught [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFEROgwxicA