Algorithms and Data Structures

1. Introduction

From JavaScript Data Structures to C Implementations

In JavaScript, you have built-in arrays, objects, and high-level data structures. In C, you must implement data structures from scratch, giving you complete control over memory layout and performance characteristics.

💡 Key Concept: C implementations of data structures provide maximum performance and memory efficiency, but require careful memory management and algorithm design.

2. Linear Data Structures

3. Linked Lists

4. Sorting Algorithms

5. Search Algorithms

6. Common Pitfalls

• Memory leaks: Always free allocated memory in data structures
• Buffer overflows: Check array bounds before accessing elements
• Null pointer dereference: Always check for NULL pointers
• Algorithm complexity: Be aware of time and space complexity
• Data structure choice: Choose appropriate structure for the problem

7. Exercises

1. Implement a stack data structure using arrays or linked lists.
2. Write a function to reverse a linked list iteratively and recursively.
3. Implement merge sort and compare its performance with quick sort.
4. Create a hash table implementation with collision resolution.

8. Performance Analysis

• Arrays: O(1) access, O(n) insertion/deletion
• Linked Lists: O(n) access, O(1) insertion/deletion at ends
• Bubble Sort: O(n²) time complexity
• Quick Sort: O(n log n) average, O(n²) worst case
• Linear Search: O(n) time complexity
• Binary Search: O(log n) time complexity

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Summary: C implementations of algorithms and data structures provide maximum control and performance. Understanding memory management, algorithm complexity, and choosing appropriate data structures is crucial for efficient C programming.