Data Structures and Performance from Coursera

How do Java programs deal with vast quantities of data? Many of the data structures and algorithms that work with introductory toy examples break when applications process real, large data sets. Efficiency is critical, but how do we achieve it, and how do we even measure it?

This is an intermediate Java course. We recommend this course to learners who have previous experience in software development or a background in computer science, and in particular, we recommend that you have taken the first course in this specialization (which also requires some previous experience with Java).

In this course, you will use and analyze data structures that are used in industry-level applications, such as linked lists, trees, and hashtables. You will explain how these data structures make programs more efficient and flexible. You will apply asymptotic Big-O analysis to describe the performance of algorithms and evaluate which strategy to use for efficient data retrieval, addition of new data, deletion of elements, and/or memory usage.

The program you will build throughout this course allows its user to manage, manipulate and reason about large sets of textual data. This is an intermediate Java course, and we will build on your prior knowledge. This course is designed around the same video series as in our first course in this specialization, including explanations of core content, learner videos, student and engineer testimonials, and support videos -- to better allow you to choose your own path through the course!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to the first module in the second course of our Intermediate Java Programming Specialization. We'll start with introductions again: to ourselves, the Google engineers, and the structure of the course. After the introduction we'll have a short warm up to get you comfortable with the code you will be building on to this class. But don't worry--no graded programming assignments yet. This week is all about getting comfortable and excited to learn.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers the fundamentals of data structures, such as linked lists, trees, and hashtables, which are core to industry-level applications

Taught by Christine Alvarado, Mia Minnes, and Leo Porter, recognized for their work in Java programming

Examines efficiency analysis, benchmarking, and data retrieval strategies, which are essential skills for Java developers

Builds a practical text editor application throughout the course, allowing learners to apply their knowledge hands-on

Introduces asymptotic Big-O analysis, a widely used technique for describing algorithm performance

Assumes prior experience in Java and recommends a prerequisite course in the specialization

Reviews summary

Intermediate java data structures and performance

According to learners, this is an intermediate-level course that provides a solid foundation in data structures and performance analysis in Java. Many found the practical programming project, a text editor, to be rewarding and effective for applying concepts like Big-O analysis, Trees, and Hash Maps. While the lectures are often clear and the course builds well on prerequisites, some students reported that the difficulty can be challenging, particularly in later project assignments, suggesting a strong foundation in Java is essential. Pacing and clarity in certain modules were noted as areas for potential improvement by a minority of reviewers.

Requires strong intermediate Java background.

"Assumes good Java foundation. Highly recommend if you have it."

"Tough if your Java isn't super strong. Prerequisites weren't emphasized enough."

"Did not feel like an intermediate course, more advanced or poorly explained intermediate... needed stronger foundation."

"Recommended for learners who have previous experience in software development or a background in computer science."

Beneficial for those taking the specialization.

"Excellent course! Builds well on the first course."

"Recommended that you have taken the first course in this specialization."

Key data structures and Big-O explained clearly.

"Concepts like Tries and Hash Maps explained clearly. Big-O analysis was solid."

"The instructors explain complex ideas simply."

"This course improved my understanding of efficiency dramatically. Big-O and benchmarking were very useful."

"The theory parts were good and well-explained."

Hands-on text editor project reinforces concepts.

"The programming project throughout the course was brilliant and applying DS concepts to it made them stick."

"Project was challenging but very rewarding. It ties everything together well."

"Liked the focus on real-world data size issues and the relevant project."

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

"The text editor application lets you immediately apply what you learn."

Some found pacing uneven or parts confusing.

"Pacing felt a bit rushed in later weeks."

"Lectures were sometimes hard to follow... confusing lectures, especially on trees and tries."

"Project instructions were vague... Needed to rely heavily on external resources."

Project is challenging, debugging can be hard.

"The project is the main thing, but debugging was hard."

"Project felt overwhelming, especially the later assignments like auto-complete."

"The project assignments felt disconnected at times or jumped in difficulty."

"Expected more hand-holding or clearer instructions on the project steps."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data Structures and Performance with these activities:

Java Refresher

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Take time to review Java fundamentals like variables, data types, and control structures before starting the course to refresh your memory.

Browse courses on Java

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Review your notes
Solve coding problems

Algorithms Unlocked

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Read a book like "Algorithms Unlocked" to enhance your foundational understanding of algorithms, which are essential for data structures.

View Algorithms Unlocked (Mit Press) on Amazon

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Read the book
Work on the exercises

Study Group

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Join a study group with fellow learners to discuss concepts, work on projects, and quiz each other.

Browse courses on Java

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Find a study group
Attend the study group
Contribute to the discussions

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Advanced Java Tutorials

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Expand your knowledge of Java data structures by following comprehensive tutorials on topics like linked lists, trees, and hash tables.

Browse courses on Linked Lists

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Find a tutorial
Follow the instructions
Complete the exercises

Coding Practice Problems

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Solve programming problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to solidify your understanding of Java data structures and algorithms.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Find a problem to solve
Design your solution
Implement your solution
Test your solution

Data Structures Workshop

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Attend a workshop to deepen your understanding of Java data structures and algorithms, and connect with other learners.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Find a workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Complete the exercises

Java Project

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Use the knowledge you've acquired to start a project that will cement your skills in Java data structures and algorithms.

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Design your project
Implement your project
Test your project

Java Explained

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Write a blog post or create a video explaining a Java data structure or algorithm to reinforce your understanding and help others.

Browse courses on Java

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Choose a topic
Research the topic
Write the content

Career center

Learners who complete Data Structures and Performance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop and deploy machine learning models. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and make investment decisions. They work in the financial industry, typically for investment banks and hedge funds. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Quantitative Analyst.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Data Scientist.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build the infrastructure that stores and processes data. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Data Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make better decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to solve problems in business and industry. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will design and develop software applications. Your work has an impact on people's lives in many ways. You may develop software that helps people manage their finances, stay connected with loved ones, or learn new things. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop the architecture of software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Software Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Systems Analyst.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Computer Programmer.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Game Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. This course will help you build a foundation in these topics, which will make you a more effective Mobile Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer