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.

Working with Strings

This week we're going to dive into the course programming project. In the first lesson you'll learn about Strings and Regular Expressions, and in the programming assignment this week you'll apply that knowledge to adding functionality to your text editor so that it can measure the "readability" of text by calculating something called the "Flesch Readability Score". This course is focused on building code that not only does interesting things, but also finishes them quickly. So, let's get started building some code!

Efficiency Analysis and Benchmarking

Welcome to week 3! The text-editor application you worked with last week does something, but it doesn't do it particularly fast. This week we'll start talking about efficiency. We'll introduce the concept of "Big-O" notation, which sounds a little silly, but is really a powerful (and extremely common) way of analyzing a program's efficiency, independent of the system that it's running on and the exact details of how it's implemented. Then we'll go the other direction and dive into the details, talking about how to measure the actual running time of a piece of code to get an idea of how it really performs in practice.

Interfaces, Linked Lists vs. Arrays, and Correctness

This week we'll start talking about some of the basic concepts that one expects to find in a data structures course: the idea of data abstraction, and a data structure called a Linked List. Even though Linked Lists are not very efficient structures (for the most part), they do hit home the idea of "linking" pieces of data together in your computer's memory, rather than storing the data in one contiguous region. This linking idea will be central to many of the more advanced data structures, namely trees and graphs, that are coming up later in this course and in the next course in this specialization. In this module you'll also learn tools and procedures for unit testing your code, which is a way to make sure that what you've written is correct, and a staple practice of any sophisticated software developer.

Trees! (including Binary Search Trees and Tries)

Welcome to week 4! We know you've been working hard. We hope you tried that optional Markov Text Generation programming assignment last week, but if not, no worries. You can always go back and do it later (spoiler alert: it's pretty amazing that such a simple algorithm can produce such realistic text). This week there's more fun (and hard work) as we learn about trees. Trees rely on the same linked structure idea as Linked Lists, only they're MUCH faster (usually...). In the project this week you'll add auto-complete to your text editor. Believe us when we say it's so cool when you get it working! You'll see... and we bet you can't wait for the programming assignment now. :)

Hash Maps and Edit Distance

You made it to the last week! Congratulations on getting this far! In this last week we'll be looking at a fundamental data structure called a Hash Table. If you thought trees were fast, just wait until you see what Hash Tables can do! Your last programming assignment will add spelling correction suggestions to your text editor, and there's an optional assignment that builds on the same ideas as the main assignment too, if you have the time and energy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Comprehensive data structures

Learners say this course is a comprehensive introduction to data structures and performance, implemented using Java. Instructors are praised for being thorough and teaching complex functionalities. However, some learners critique the course for being advertised as free but requiring payment after the first 7 days.

Covers a wide range of data structures and performance topics.

Instructors are highly knowledgeable.

"This course is very thorough."

"It will teach you very very properly, the implementation of different data structures using Java, and the implications those different data structures have on your algorithms."

Course is advertised as free but requires payment after 7 days.

"Courses are advertised as "free" yet, when you click on "start class" a pop-up shows a "free 7 day trial" and a dollar amount to continue."

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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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