Learn AI — Data Structures and Algorithms

In this article, we are going to see the basic definitions of data structures and algorithms.

In the future world of AI, Data Science and more, one has to be equipped to solve computing problems that will lead to efficient solutions for the given problem statement.

A problem can be solved only by finding a solution to that problem. In computing terms, you need to write a program that will provide the answer that you are seeking.

The program you write will be a series of steps that when executed produces an output. That collection of steps is called an Algorithm.

For every program to work they need input. This input can be of any type and any size. This input is called data.

Now we need to think, how such an input which is called data is stored in our computer memory?

There are many types of structures available for us to store data in memory. These structures are called “Data Structures”

Array, LinkedList, Queue, Stack, Graph are all various structures we can use to store our data.

In this, we can learn and master data structures as there are finite ways you can store data in memory.

But when it comes to algorithms, since those are steps we need to create to solve a problem, one will have many choices and ways to solve a problem.

No one solution can be deemed as perfect because another developer will develop a solution that might solve the same problem differently.

There may be infinite ways to solve a problem through computing means.

Hence, no one can claim they have mastered algorithms as it is a thought process. So to become good at writing algorithms, we need to tune our minds to think algorithmically.

In this series, we will first learn data structures and algorithms and along the way will learn Machine Learning, NLP, Computer Vision and more.

I will be using Python as my programming language to demonstrate the concepts we discuss here. The only prerequisite you need to have is that you should have decent skill at least one programming language if it is python then good, else also you will be able to follow.

Welcome to Learn AI.