If there is one aspect that is important to computer
science, it is data structures. I am not talking about some concept that dwells
inside everyone such as integrity and willpower, but an actual concept that
exists within computer science that everyone programmer should know. I have
seen presentations by several tech companies, usually presented by former San
Jose State University students, and they all say the same thing, the most
important class is advanced data structures aka CS146.
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| The book that contains every useful algorithm and how to execute them on data structures. |
The reason why it is so important is because data structures
encompass all of computer science. The basics include things like arrays and
trees which are used in everyday code. In more advanced code you need to know
how to properly optimize your code using sorting algorithms that is taught in
CS146. An example of the importance of a finely tuned data structure and
sorting algorithm are search engines. Search engines have to sift through so
much data that is it hard to conceive just how much there is. Search engines
must sort through an ocean of data and send you the results at minimal time.
Using something like bubble sort will not only get you crippling speeds but you
will also lose customers if that was your search engine.
To put it simply, CS146 is a very difficult class but it is
also very important. If you are a SJSU student do remember to take the class
seriously and if you are from another school, be sure to do the same for
similar classes.
Hi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteNice blog post! As a SJSU student who will be taking CS 146 very soon, I will pay more attention to this class. It is good to know that tech companies and former SJSU students all say that this class is the most important class to take knowledge from.
If you are looking to add more to you blog something that you can put in your post are sources that help with the course which would help the students that read your blog post help them along when the time comes to take the course. Great work! Keep it up.
I really like how you describe about the important of CS146 to computer science students. I took this class here at SJSU and really enjoy it. It’s really tough at first but really reward to learn the concepts behind data structure. I believe most of computer science students can write a program. But to write it in an efficient way, we have to learn and understand data structures. Data Structure would show how well you organize your program and how efficient it’s when it’s getting bigger and bigger. It also show how we can use it to encrypt data and make it hard for unauthorized people to access it.
ReplyDeleteHi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI never thought of writing a blog post to inform our fellow classmates about the importance of CS 146. Data structures are not only talked about in tech companies' presentations, but also are asked during job interviews. I cannot deny that the book used in CS 146 is one of the best Computer Science books. After taking CS 146, my programming knowledge and skills got so much better.
In order to improve your blog, you should always check your blog posts on Criterion, and add more links and images. Anyways, good job, Matthew!
Hi Matthew, thanks for the suggestion. Your topic is data structures, but you suggest an algorithms book(?). Just kidding. Data structures and algorithms are always good to learn and use them together. As a programmer, in order to write a robust code, we would need to know well about data structures and algorithms concepts. Anyways, this is very good book.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I haven't take CS146 and I'm looking forward to it. It is good to get advice from other students and you did a great job at describing the class, the material covered and how important the understanding of Data Structures is in the computer science world. Now I know a little better what to expect in the class and I will be more prepare for it. Thanks for sharing Matthew!
ReplyDelete