Why Data Structures and Algorithms are Important?

Data structures and algorithms provide a set of approaches for efficiently handling data. So programmers need to have a strong understanding of DSA fundamentals to write efficient and correct code. There are two main reasons for this:

• From the perspective of coding interviews: Data structures and algorithms allow interviewers to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving, coding, and analytical skills.
• From the perspective of real-world applications: Data structures are crucial for many real-life applications. Even when using application programming interfaces (APIs) that hide implementation details, a good programmer should still be familiar with the use cases and applications of various data structures to make informed decisions.

How one incident changed my view on DSA?

Before I went to college, I had no experience with computers. In my first year, I failed the programming course. I tried asking seniors for advice, but I didn't receive a clear answer. I was ready to give up on computer science altogether.

But then, in my third year, one of my friends explained a recursive algorithm for finding the nth Fibonacci number to me and pointed out that it had an exponential time complexity of n. This meant that a computer would take years to produce the output for a large value of n. I was surprised and asked why most students wrote this code during their first-year exams. He told me that they just memorized it and didn't think about its performance. Then, he showed me a linear-time solution using a bottom-up approach of dynamic programming, which he even further optimized to a single-loop solution with constant extra space.

This was the first time I truly understood the importance of algorithms and how they could make a huge difference. As Steve Jobs said, "We can't connect dots looking forward; we can only connect them looking backwards." From then on, I became fascinated with coding problems and comparing the efficiency of different solutions. I even read the book "CLRS" twice out of curiosity!

This experience helped me change my mind about my career path and realize that programming is not just about syntax and writing correct code, but also about designing efficient algorithms!

Why data structures and algorithms?

While it is important to have a good understanding of programming languages, the real satisfaction comes from having a strong command of problem-solving strategies in DSA. Consistent practice and exploring real-world applications can help change our perspective on the importance of algorithms.

After six years of teaching experience with students and professionals, I have identified four good reasons to learn data structures and algorithms:

• Improved problem-solving skills: Learning DSA helps you develop a systematic approach to solving problems that can be applied to a wide range of situations.
• Better coding efficiency: By understanding how to use the right data structures and algorithms, you can write code that is more efficient and performs better.
• Enhanced ability to learn new programming languages: Having a strong foundation in DSA makes it easier to learn new programming languages and technologies.
• Improved job prospects: Many employers place a high value on DSA skills, so having a good understanding of these concepts can make you a more competitive job candidate.

Algorithm is a Technology!

The system performance depends on choosing efficient algorithms as much as on choosing fast hardware. Even applications that do not require algorithms directly at the application level…relies heavily upon algorithms. For examples:

• Does the application rely on fast networking? Computer networking relies heavily on routing algorithms.
• Does the application depend upon the user interface? The design of the user interface relies on algorithms.
• Does the application require fast hardware? The hardware design used algorithms.

Overall, algorithms are at the core of most real-life applications. Just as rapid innovations are being made in other computer technologies, they are also being made in algorithms.

Algorithms are at the core of Library Functions and APIs

In an age where we can use library functions to write software code, it may seem unnecessary to learn algorithms and data structures. However, it is important to understand the implementation details, even when they are hidden behind an abstraction. In other words, mastering DSA helps us to better understand how to effectively use library functions and other abstractions in our code.

• By learning data structures and algorithms, we can gain a deeper understanding of the logic behind the behavior of these abstractions. Without this knowledge, we may use them improperly or apply them in the wrong way.
• The real knowledge of DSA comes into play when there is a need to design programming libraries, APIs, backend code, machine learning models, or high-performance simulations.

Important for Cracking the Coding Interviews

Tech companies often test candidates' knowledge of data structures and algorithms (DSA) during the interview process because they need to hire programmers who can efficiently solve complex, large-scale, data-intensive problems. A strong understanding of DSA is a clear indicator of a programmer's ability to come up with smart solutions to these types of problems in terms of time and memory. In other words, a programmer who is proficient in DSA is better equipped to handle the data-intensive challenges faced by tech companies.

Algorithms are beautiful!

Algorithmic logic is often found in beautiful natural patterns and real-life activities. It can be concise and straightforward, effectively performing a single task. As Donald Knuth said, "People who analyze algorithms have double happiness. First of all, they experience the sheer beauty of elegant mathematical patterns that surround elegant computational procedures. Then they receive a practical payoff when their theories make it possible to get other jobs done more quickly and economically."

This highlights the dual benefits of studying algorithms: the aesthetic pleasure of discovering elegant patterns, and the practical value of being able to solve problems more efficiently. Enjoy learning, Enjoy coding, Enjoy algorithms :)