Data Structures are part of the core that we as computer scientists are to know.
But to what extent?
When dealing with simple logic and small problems any structure will essentially suffice, an array, arraylist, tree. So when we get to bigger and more complex problems, it's not so clear anymore; or rather realizing the better choices actually matters now. I wouldn't say for optimizing purpose exactly, in the sense that it's not about memorizing the costs of operations while it may be useful after overall functionality has been established, but that for organizational purposes it provides as a whole better efficiency. Optimizing is more like fixing up pieces of the code so that individual piece will run faster, but compared to the entire product it's negligible. Apparently, it by itself could mean the difference to setting yourself apart from others (source).
Hi Eric, I agree with your opinion on data structures. Optimization in more complex programs is definitely necessary. Even though it is not as important as before, we can still run out of memory. Speed is also important. People will always want a program to run faster.
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteI agree that data structures are part of the core for what computer scientists are to know. Optimization in complex programs is definitely necessary but I believe that most programs are NP complete anyway. Since there so many yet so few choices for data structures, people could definitely do almost anything in order to complete their program. I believe there is always a great way to use data structures though for different programs.