hello-algo/en/chapter_introduction/what_is_dsa/index.html

1217 lines
44 KiB
HTML
Raw Normal View History

2023-12-22 00:01:12 +08:00
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en" class="no-js">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1">
<meta name="description" content="Data Structures and Algorithms Crash Course with Animated Illustrations and Off-the-Shelf Code">
<meta name="author" content="Krahets">
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.hello-algo.com/en/chapter_introduction/what_is_dsa/">
<link rel="prev" href="../algorithms_are_everywhere/">
<link rel="next" href="../summary/">
<link rel="icon" href="../../assets/images/favicon.png">
<meta name="generator" content="mkdocs-1.5.3, mkdocs-material-9.5.2">
<title>1.2 What is Algorithms - Hello Algo</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="../../assets/stylesheets/main.50c56a3b.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="../../assets/stylesheets/palette.06af60db.min.css">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Roboto:300,300i,400,400i,700,700i%7CFira+Code:400,400i,700,700i&display=fallback">
<style>:root{--md-text-font:"Roboto";--md-code-font:"Fira Code"}</style>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="../../stylesheets/extra.css">
<script>__md_scope=new URL("../..",location),__md_hash=e=>[...e].reduce((e,_)=>(e<<5)-e+_.charCodeAt(0),0),__md_get=(e,_=localStorage,t=__md_scope)=>JSON.parse(_.getItem(t.pathname+"."+e)),__md_set=(e,_,t=localStorage,a=__md_scope)=>{try{t.setItem(a.pathname+"."+e,JSON.stringify(_))}catch(e){}}</script>
<link href="../../assets/stylesheets/glightbox.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/><style>
html.glightbox-open { overflow: initial; height: 100%; }
.gslide-title { margin-top: 0px; user-select: text; }
.gslide-desc { color: #666; user-select: text; }
.gslide-image img { background: white; }
.gscrollbar-fixer { padding-right: 15px; }
.gdesc-inner { font-size: 0.75rem; }
body[data-md-color-scheme="slate"] .gdesc-inner { background: var(--md-default-bg-color);}
body[data-md-color-scheme="slate"] .gslide-title { color: var(--md-default-fg-color);}
body[data-md-color-scheme="slate"] .gslide-desc { color: var(--md-default-fg-color);}
</style> <script src="../../assets/javascripts/glightbox.min.js"></script></head>
<body dir="ltr" data-md-color-scheme="default" data-md-color-primary="white" data-md-color-accent="indigo">
<input class="md-toggle" data-md-toggle="drawer" type="checkbox" id="__drawer" autocomplete="off">
<input class="md-toggle" data-md-toggle="search" type="checkbox" id="__search" autocomplete="off">
<label class="md-overlay" for="__drawer"></label>
<div data-md-component="skip">
<a href="#12-what-is-an-algorithm" class="md-skip">
Skip to content
</a>
</div>
<div data-md-component="announce">
</div>
<header class="md-header md-header--shadow" data-md-component="header">
<nav class="md-header__inner md-grid" aria-label="Header">
<a href="../.." title="Hello Algo" class="md-header__button md-logo" aria-label="Hello Algo" data-md-component="logo">
<img src="../../assets/images/logo.svg" alt="logo">
</a>
<label class="md-header__button md-icon" for="__drawer">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M3 6h18v2H3V6m0 5h18v2H3v-2m0 5h18v2H3v-2Z"/></svg>
</label>
<div class="md-header__title" data-md-component="header-title">
<div class="md-header__ellipsis">
<div class="md-header__topic">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Hello Algo
</span>
</div>
<div class="md-header__topic" data-md-component="header-topic">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2 What is Algorithms
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<form class="md-header__option" data-md-component="palette">
<input class="md-option" data-md-color-media="" data-md-color-scheme="default" data-md-color-primary="white" data-md-color-accent="indigo" aria-label="Switch to dark mode" type="radio" name="__palette" id="__palette_0">
<label class="md-header__button md-icon" title="Switch to dark mode" for="__palette_1" hidden>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M7.5 2c-1.79 1.15-3 3.18-3 5.5s1.21 4.35 3.03 5.5C4.46 13 2 10.54 2 7.5A5.5 5.5 0 0 1 7.5 2m11.57 1.5 1.43 1.43L4.93 20.5 3.5 19.07 19.07 3.5m-6.18 2.43L11.41 5 9.97 6l.42-1.7L9 3.24l1.75-.12.58-1.65L12 3.1l1.73.03-1.35 1.13.51 1.67m-3.3 3.61-1.16-.73-1.12.78.34-1.32-1.09-.83 1.36-.09.45-1.29.51 1.27 1.36.03-1.05.87.4 1.31M19 13.5a5.5 5.5 0 0 1-5.5 5.5c-1.22 0-2.35-.4-3.26-1.07l7.69-7.69c.67.91 1.07 2.04 1.07 3.26m-4.4 6.58 2.77-1.15-.24 3.35-2.53-2.2m4.33-2.7 1.15-2.77 2.2 2.54-3.35.23m1.15-4.96-1.14-2.78 3.34.24-2.2 2.54M9.63 18.93l2.77 1.15-2.53 2.19-.24-3.34Z"/></svg>
</label>
<input class="md-option" data-md-color-media="" data-md-color-scheme="slate" data-md-color-primary="grey" data-md-color-accent="indigo" aria-label="Switch to light mode" type="radio" name="__palette" id="__palette_1">
<label class="md-header__button md-icon" title="Switch to light mode" for="__palette_0" hidden>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M7.5 2c-1.79 1.15-3 3.18-3 5.5s1.21 4.35 3.03 5.5C4.46 13 2 10.54 2 7.5A5.5 5.5 0 0 1 7.5 2m11.57 1.5 1.43 1.43L4.93 20.5 3.5 19.07 19.07 3.5m-6.18 2.43L11.41 5 9.97 6l.42-1.7L9 3.24l1.75-.12.58-1.65L12 3.1l1.73.03-1.35 1.13.51 1.67m-3.3 3.61-1.16-.73-1.12.78.34-1.32-1.09-.83 1.36-.09.45-1.29.51 1.27 1.36.03-1.05.87.4 1.31M19 13.5a5.5 5.5 0 0 1-5.5 5.5c-1.22 0-2.35-.4-3.26-1.07l7.69-7.69c.67.91 1.07 2.04 1.07 3.26m-4.4 6.58 2.77-1.15-.24 3.35-2.53-2.2m4.33-2.7 1.15-2.77 2.2 2.54-3.35.23m1.15-4.96-1.14-2.78 3.34.24-2.2 2.54M9.63 18.93l2.77 1.15-2.53 2.19-.24-3.34Z"/></svg>
</label>
</form>
<script>var media,input,key,value,palette=__md_get("__palette");if(palette&&palette.color){"(prefers-color-scheme)"===palette.color.media&&(media=matchMedia("(prefers-color-scheme: light)"),input=document.querySelector(media.matches?"[data-md-color-media='(prefers-color-scheme: light)']":"[data-md-color-media='(prefers-color-scheme: dark)']"),palette.color.media=input.getAttribute("data-md-color-media"),palette.color.scheme=input.getAttribute("data-md-color-scheme"),palette.color.primary=input.getAttribute("data-md-color-primary"),palette.color.accent=input.getAttribute("data-md-color-accent"));for([key,value]of Object.entries(palette.color))document.body.setAttribute("data-md-color-"+key,value)}</script>
<div class="md-header__option">
<div class="md-select">
<button class="md-header__button md-icon" aria-label="Select language">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="m12.87 15.07-2.54-2.51.03-.03A17.52 17.52 0 0 0 14.07 6H17V4h-7V2H8v2H1v2h11.17C11.5 7.92 10.44 9.75 9 11.35 8.07 10.32 7.3 9.19 6.69 8h-2c.73 1.63 1.73 3.17 2.98 4.56l-5.09 5.02L4 19l5-5 3.11 3.11.76-2.04M18.5 10h-2L12 22h2l1.12-3h4.75L21 22h2l-4.5-12m-2.62 7 1.62-4.33L19.12 17h-3.24Z"/></svg>
</button>
<div class="md-select__inner">
<ul class="md-select__list">
<li class="md-select__item">
<a href="/" hreflang="zh" class="md-select__link">
中文
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-select__item">
<a href="/en/" hreflang="en" class="md-select__link">
English
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<label class="md-header__button md-icon" for="__search">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M9.5 3A6.5 6.5 0 0 1 16 9.5c0 1.61-.59 3.09-1.56 4.23l.27.27h.79l5 5-1.5 1.5-5-5v-.79l-.27-.27A6.516 6.516 0 0 1 9.5 16 6.5 6.5 0 0 1 3 9.5 6.5 6.5 0 0 1 9.5 3m0 2C7 5 5 7 5 9.5S7 14 9.5 14 14 12 14 9.5 12 5 9.5 5Z"/></svg>
</label>
<div class="md-search" data-md-component="search" role="dialog">
<label class="md-search__overlay" for="__search"></label>
<div class="md-search__inner" role="search">
<form class="md-search__form" name="search">
<input type="text" class="md-search__input" name="query" aria-label="Search" placeholder="Search" autocapitalize="off" autocorrect="off" autocomplete="off" spellcheck="false" data-md-component="search-query" required>
<label class="md-search__icon md-icon" for="__search">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M9.5 3A6.5 6.5 0 0 1 16 9.5c0 1.61-.59 3.09-1.56 4.23l.27.27h.79l5 5-1.5 1.5-5-5v-.79l-.27-.27A6.516 6.516 0 0 1 9.5 16 6.5 6.5 0 0 1 3 9.5 6.5 6.5 0 0 1 9.5 3m0 2C7 5 5 7 5 9.5S7 14 9.5 14 14 12 14 9.5 12 5 9.5 5Z"/></svg>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M20 11v2H8l5.5 5.5-1.42 1.42L4.16 12l7.92-7.92L13.5 5.5 8 11h12Z"/></svg>
</label>
<nav class="md-search__options" aria-label="Search">
<a href="javascript:void(0)" class="md-search__icon md-icon" title="Share" aria-label="Share" data-clipboard data-clipboard-text="" data-md-component="search-share" tabindex="-1">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M18 16.08c-.76 0-1.44.3-1.96.77L8.91 12.7c.05-.23.09-.46.09-.7 0-.24-.04-.47-.09-.7l7.05-4.11c.54.5 1.25.81 2.04.81a3 3 0 0 0 3-3 3 3 0 0 0-3-3 3 3 0 0 0-3 3c0 .24.04.47.09.7L8.04 9.81C7.5 9.31 6.79 9 6 9a3 3 0 0 0-3 3 3 3 0 0 0 3 3c.79 0 1.5-.31 2.04-.81l7.12 4.15c-.05.21-.08.43-.08.66 0 1.61 1.31 2.91 2.92 2.91 1.61 0 2.92-1.3 2.92-2.91A2.92 2.92 0 0 0 18 16.08Z"/></svg>
</a>
<button type="reset" class="md-search__icon md-icon" title="Clear" aria-label="Clear" tabindex="-1">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M19 6.41 17.59 5 12 10.59 6.41 5 5 6.41 10.59 12 5 17.59 6.41 19 12 13.41 17.59 19 19 17.59 13.41 12 19 6.41Z"/></svg>
</button>
</nav>
<div class="md-search__suggest" data-md-component="search-suggest"></div>
</form>
<div class="md-search__output">
<div class="md-search__scrollwrap" data-md-scrollfix>
<div class="md-search-result" data-md-component="search-result">
<div class="md-search-result__meta">
Initializing search
</div>
<ol class="md-search-result__list" role="presentation"></ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-header__source">
<a href="https://github.com/krahets/hello-algo" title="Go to repository" class="md-source" data-md-component="source">
<div class="md-source__icon md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M165.9 397.4c0 2-2.3 3.6-5.2 3.6-3.3.3-5.6-1.3-5.6-3.6 0-2 2.3-3.6 5.2-3.6 3-.3 5.6 1.3 5.6 3.6zm-31.1-4.5c-.7 2 1.3 4.3 4.3 4.9 2.6 1 5.6 0 6.2-2s-1.3-4.3-4.3-5.2c-2.6-.7-5.5.3-6.2 2.3zm44.2-1.7c-2.9.7-4.9 2.6-4.6 4.9.3 2 2.9 3.3 5.9 2.6 2.9-.7 4.9-2.6 4.6-4.6-.3-1.9-3-3.2-5.9-2.9zM244.8 8C106.1 8 0 113.3 0 252c0 110.9 69.8 205.8 169.5 239.2 12.8 2.3 17.3-5.6 17.3-12.1 0-6.2-.3-40.4-.3-61.4 0 0-70 15-84.7-29.8 0 0-11.4-29.1-27.8-36.6 0 0-22.9-15.7 1.6-15.4 0 0 24.9 2 38.6 25.8 21.9 38.6 58.6 27.5 72.9 20.9 2.3-16 8.8-27.1 16-33.7-55.9-6.2-112.3-14.3-112.3-110.5 0-27.5 7.6-41.3 23.6-58.9-2.6-6.5-11.1-33.3 2.6-67.9 20.9-6.5 69 27 69 27 20-5.6 41.5-8.5 62.8-8.5s42.8 2.9 62.8 8.5c0 0 48.1-33.6 69-27 13.7 34.7 5.2 61.4 2.6 67.9 16 17.7 25.8 31.5 25.8 58.9 0 96.5-58.9 104.2-114.8 110.5 9.2 7.9 17 22.9 17 46.4 0 33.7-.3 75.4-.3 83.6 0 6.5 4.6 14.4 17.3 12.1C428.2 457.8 496 362.9 496 252 496 113.3 383.5 8 244.8 8zM97.2 352.9c-1.3 1-1 3.3.7 5.2 1.6 1.6 3.9 2.3 5.2 1 1.3-1 1-3.3-.7-5.2-1.6-1.6-3.9-2.3-5.2-1zm-10.8-8.1c-.7 1.3.3 2.9 2.3 3.9 1.6 1 3.6.7 4.3-.7.7-1.3-.3-2.9-2.3-3.9-2-.6-3.6-.3-4.3.7zm32.4 35.6c-1.6 1.3-1 4.3 1.3 6.2 2.3 2.3 5.2 2.6 6.5 1 1.3-1.3.7-4.3-1.3-6.2-2.2-2.3-5.2-2.6-6.5-1zm-11.4-14.7c-1.6 1-1.6 3.6 0 5.9 1.6 2.3 4.3 3.3 5.6 2.3 1.6-1.3 1.6-3.9 0-6.2-1.4-2.3-4-3.3-5.6-2z"/></svg>
</div>
<div class="md-source__repository">
krahets/hello-algo
</div>
</a>
</div>
</nav>
</header>
<div class="md-container" data-md-component="container">
<main class="md-main" data-md-component="main">
<div class="md-main__inner md-grid">
<div class="md-sidebar md-sidebar--primary" data-md-component="sidebar" data-md-type="navigation" >
<div class="md-sidebar__scrollwrap">
<div class="md-sidebar__inner">
<nav class="md-nav md-nav--primary" aria-label="Navigation" data-md-level="0">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__drawer">
<a href="../.." title="Hello Algo" class="md-nav__button md-logo" aria-label="Hello Algo" data-md-component="logo">
<img src="../../assets/images/logo.svg" alt="logo">
</a>
Hello Algo
</label>
<div class="md-nav__source">
<a href="https://github.com/krahets/hello-algo" title="Go to repository" class="md-source" data-md-component="source">
<div class="md-source__icon md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M165.9 397.4c0 2-2.3 3.6-5.2 3.6-3.3.3-5.6-1.3-5.6-3.6 0-2 2.3-3.6 5.2-3.6 3-.3 5.6 1.3 5.6 3.6zm-31.1-4.5c-.7 2 1.3 4.3 4.3 4.9 2.6 1 5.6 0 6.2-2s-1.3-4.3-4.3-5.2c-2.6-.7-5.5.3-6.2 2.3zm44.2-1.7c-2.9.7-4.9 2.6-4.6 4.9.3 2 2.9 3.3 5.9 2.6 2.9-.7 4.9-2.6 4.6-4.6-.3-1.9-3-3.2-5.9-2.9zM244.8 8C106.1 8 0 113.3 0 252c0 110.9 69.8 205.8 169.5 239.2 12.8 2.3 17.3-5.6 17.3-12.1 0-6.2-.3-40.4-.3-61.4 0 0-70 15-84.7-29.8 0 0-11.4-29.1-27.8-36.6 0 0-22.9-15.7 1.6-15.4 0 0 24.9 2 38.6 25.8 21.9 38.6 58.6 27.5 72.9 20.9 2.3-16 8.8-27.1 16-33.7-55.9-6.2-112.3-14.3-112.3-110.5 0-27.5 7.6-41.3 23.6-58.9-2.6-6.5-11.1-33.3 2.6-67.9 20.9-6.5 69 27 69 27 20-5.6 41.5-8.5 62.8-8.5s42.8 2.9 62.8 8.5c0 0 48.1-33.6 69-27 13.7 34.7 5.2 61.4 2.6 67.9 16 17.7 25.8 31.5 25.8 58.9 0 96.5-58.9 104.2-114.8 110.5 9.2 7.9 17 22.9 17 46.4 0 33.7-.3 75.4-.3 83.6 0 6.5 4.6 14.4 17.3 12.1C428.2 457.8 496 362.9 496 252 496 113.3 383.5 8 244.8 8zM97.2 352.9c-1.3 1-1 3.3.7 5.2 1.6 1.6 3.9 2.3 5.2 1 1.3-1 1-3.3-.7-5.2-1.6-1.6-3.9-2.3-5.2-1zm-10.8-8.1c-.7 1.3.3 2.9 2.3 3.9 1.6 1 3.6.7 4.3-.7.7-1.3-.3-2.9-2.3-3.9-2-.6-3.6-.3-4.3.7zm32.4 35.6c-1.6 1.3-1 4.3 1.3 6.2 2.3 2.3 5.2 2.6 6.5 1 1.3-1.3.7-4.3-1.3-6.2-2.2-2.3-5.2-2.6-6.5-1zm-11.4-14.7c-1.6 1-1.6 3.6 0 5.9 1.6 2.3 4.3 3.3 5.6 2.3 1.6-1.3 1.6-3.9 0-6.2-1.4-2.3-4-3.3-5.6-2z"/></svg>
</div>
<div class="md-source__repository">
krahets/hello-algo
</div>
</a>
</div>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item md-nav__item--nested">
<input class="md-nav__toggle md-toggle " type="checkbox" id="__nav_1" >
<div class="md-nav__link md-nav__container">
<a href="../../chapter_preface/" class="md-nav__link ">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M21 4H3a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v13a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h18a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V6a2 2 0 0 0-2-2M3 19V6h8v13H3m18 0h-8V6h8v13m-7-9.5h6V11h-6V9.5m0 2.5h6v1.5h-6V12m0 2.5h6V16h-6v-1.5Z"/></svg>
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Chapter 0. Preface
</span>
</a>
<label class="md-nav__link " for="__nav_1" id="__nav_1_label" tabindex="0">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
</label>
</div>
<nav class="md-nav" data-md-level="1" aria-labelledby="__nav_1_label" aria-expanded="false">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__nav_1">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
Chapter 0. Preface
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_preface/about_the_book/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
0.1 The Book
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_preface/suggestions/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
0.2 How to Read
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_preface/summary/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
0.3 Summary
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item md-nav__item--active md-nav__item--nested">
<input class="md-nav__toggle md-toggle " type="checkbox" id="__nav_2" checked>
<div class="md-nav__link md-nav__container">
<a href="../" class="md-nav__link ">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M19 3H5c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v14c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V5c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2m0 16H5V5h14v14M6.2 7.7h5v1.5h-5V7.7m6.8 8.1h5v1.5h-5v-1.5m0-2.6h5v1.5h-5v-1.5M8 18h1.5v-2h2v-1.5h-2v-2H8v2H6V16h2v2m6.1-7.1 1.4-1.4 1.4 1.4 1.1-1-1.4-1.4L18 7.1 16.9 6l-1.4 1.4L14.1 6 13 7.1l1.4 1.4L13 9.9l1.1 1Z"/></svg>
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Chapter 1. Introduction to Algorithms
</span>
</a>
<label class="md-nav__link " for="__nav_2" id="__nav_2_label" tabindex="0">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
</label>
</div>
<nav class="md-nav" data-md-level="1" aria-labelledby="__nav_2_label" aria-expanded="true">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__nav_2">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
Chapter 1. Introduction to Algorithms
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../algorithms_are_everywhere/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.1 Algorithms Are Everywhere
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item md-nav__item--active">
<input class="md-nav__toggle md-toggle" type="checkbox" id="__toc">
<label class="md-nav__link md-nav__link--active" for="__toc">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2 What is Algorithms
</span>
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
</label>
<a href="./" class="md-nav__link md-nav__link--active">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2 What is Algorithms
</span>
</a>
<nav class="md-nav md-nav--secondary" aria-label="Table of contents">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__toc">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
Table of contents
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-component="toc" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#121-definition-of-an-algorithm" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.1 &nbsp; Definition of an Algorithm
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#122-definition-of-a-data-structure" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.2 &nbsp; Definition of a Data Structure
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#123-relationship-between-data-structures-and-algorithms" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.3 &nbsp; Relationship Between Data Structures and Algorithms
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../summary/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.3 Summary
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item md-nav__item--nested">
<input class="md-nav__toggle md-toggle " type="checkbox" id="__nav_3" >
<div class="md-nav__link md-nav__container">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/" class="md-nav__link ">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M6 2h12v6l-4 4 4 4v6H6v-6l4-4-4-4V2m10 14.5-4-4-4 4V20h8v-3.5m-4-5 4-4V4H8v3.5l4 4M10 6h4v.75l-2 2-2-2V6Z"/></svg>
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Chapter 2. Computational Complexity
</span>
</a>
<label class="md-nav__link " for="__nav_3" id="__nav_3_label" tabindex="0">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
</label>
</div>
<nav class="md-nav" data-md-level="1" aria-labelledby="__nav_3_label" aria-expanded="false">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__nav_3">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
Chapter 2. Computational Complexity
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/performance_evaluation/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
2.1 Evaluating Algorithm Efficiency
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/iteration_and_recursion/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
2.2 Iteration and Recursion
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/time_complexity/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
2.3 Time Complexity
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/space_complexity/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
2.4 Space Complexity
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="../../chapter_computational_complexity/summary/" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
2.5 Summary
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-sidebar md-sidebar--secondary" data-md-component="sidebar" data-md-type="toc" >
<div class="md-sidebar__scrollwrap">
<div class="md-sidebar__inner">
<nav class="md-nav md-nav--secondary" aria-label="Table of contents">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__toc">
<span class="md-nav__icon md-icon"></span>
Table of contents
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-component="toc" data-md-scrollfix>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#121-definition-of-an-algorithm" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.1 &nbsp; Definition of an Algorithm
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#122-definition-of-a-data-structure" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.2 &nbsp; Definition of a Data Structure
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a href="#123-relationship-between-data-structures-and-algorithms" class="md-nav__link">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
1.2.3 &nbsp; Relationship Between Data Structures and Algorithms
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-content" data-md-component="content">
<article class="md-content__inner md-typeset">
<!-- Tags -->
<!-- Actions -->
<!-- Actions -->
<!-- Edit button -->
<a
href="https://github.com/krahets/hello-algo/tree/main/docs-en/chapter_introduction/what_is_dsa.md"
title="Edit this page"
class="md-content__button md-icon"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M441 58.9 453.1 71c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L424 134.1 377.9 88 407 58.9c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0zM209.8 256.2 344 121.9l46.1 46.1-134.3 134.2c-2.9 2.9-6.5 5-10.4 6.1L186.9 325l16.7-58.5c1.1-3.9 3.2-7.5 6.1-10.4zM373.1 25 175.8 222.2c-8.7 8.7-15 19.4-18.3 31.1l-28.6 100c-2.4 8.4-.1 17.4 6.1 23.6s15.2 8.5 23.6 6.1l100-28.6c11.8-3.4 22.5-9.7 31.1-18.3L487 138.9c28.1-28.1 28.1-73.7 0-101.8L474.9 25c-28.1-28.1-73.7-28.1-101.8 0zM88 64c-48.6 0-88 39.4-88 88v272c0 48.6 39.4 88 88 88h272c48.6 0 88-39.4 88-88V312c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24s-24 10.7-24 24v112c0 22.1-17.9 40-40 40H88c-22.1 0-40-17.9-40-40V152c0-22.1 17.9-40 40-40h112c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24H88z"/></svg>
</a>
<!-- View button -->
<!-- Page content -->
<h1 id="12-what-is-an-algorithm">1.2 &nbsp; What is an Algorithm<a class="headerlink" href="#12-what-is-an-algorithm" title="Permanent link">&para;</a></h1>
<h2 id="121-definition-of-an-algorithm">1.2.1 &nbsp; Definition of an Algorithm<a class="headerlink" href="#121-definition-of-an-algorithm" title="Permanent link">&para;</a></h2>
<p>An "algorithm" is a set of instructions or steps to solve a specific problem within a finite amount of time. It has the following characteristics:</p>
<ul>
<li>The problem is clearly defined, including unambiguous definitions of input and output.</li>
<li>The algorithm is feasible, meaning it can be completed within a finite number of steps, time, and memory space.</li>
<li>Each step has a definitive meaning. The output is consistently the same under the same inputs and conditions.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="122-definition-of-a-data-structure">1.2.2 &nbsp; Definition of a Data Structure<a class="headerlink" href="#122-definition-of-a-data-structure" title="Permanent link">&para;</a></h2>
<p>A "data structure" is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer, with the following design goals:</p>
<ul>
<li>Minimize space occupancy to save computer memory.</li>
<li>Make data operations as fast as possible, covering data access, addition, deletion, updating, etc.</li>
<li>Provide concise data representation and logical information to enable efficient algorithm execution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Designing data structures is a balancing act, often requiring trade-offs</strong>. If you want to improve in one aspect, you often need to compromise in another. Here are two examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Compared to arrays, linked lists offer more convenience in data addition and deletion but sacrifice data access speed.</li>
<li>Graphs, compared to linked lists, provide richer logical information but require more memory space.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="123-relationship-between-data-structures-and-algorithms">1.2.3 &nbsp; Relationship Between Data Structures and Algorithms<a class="headerlink" href="#123-relationship-between-data-structures-and-algorithms" title="Permanent link">&para;</a></h2>
<p>As shown in the diagram below, data structures and algorithms are highly related and closely integrated, specifically in the following three aspects:</p>
<ul>
<li>Data structures are the foundation of algorithms. They provide structured data storage and methods for manipulating data for algorithms.</li>
<li>Algorithms are the stage where data structures come into play. The data structure alone only stores data information; it is through the application of algorithms that specific problems can be solved.</li>
<li>Algorithms can often be implemented based on different data structures, but their execution efficiency can vary greatly. Choosing the right data structure is key.</li>
</ul>
<p><a class="glightbox" href="../what_is_dsa.assets/relationship_between_data_structure_and_algorithm.png" data-type="image" data-width="100%" data-height="auto" data-desc-position="bottom"><img alt="Relationship between data structures and algorithms" class="animation-figure" src="../what_is_dsa.assets/relationship_between_data_structure_and_algorithm.png" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> Figure 1-4 &nbsp; Relationship between data structures and algorithms </p>
<p>Data structures and algorithms can be likened to a set of building blocks, as illustrated in the Figure 1-5 . A building block set includes numerous pieces, accompanied by detailed assembly instructions. Following these instructions step by step allows us to construct an intricate block model.</p>
<p><a class="glightbox" href="../what_is_dsa.assets/assembling_blocks.jpg" data-type="image" data-width="100%" data-height="auto" data-desc-position="bottom"><img alt="Assembling blocks" class="animation-figure" src="../what_is_dsa.assets/assembling_blocks.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"> Figure 1-5 &nbsp; Assembling blocks </p>
<p>The detailed correspondence between the two is shown in the Table 1-1 .</p>
<p align="center"> Table 1-1 &nbsp; Comparing Data Structures and Algorithms to Building Blocks </p>
<div class="center-table">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Data Structures and Algorithms</th>
<th>Building Blocks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Input data</td>
<td>Unassembled blocks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data structure</td>
<td>Organization of blocks, including shape, size, connections, etc</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Algorithm</td>
<td>A series of steps to assemble the blocks into the desired shape</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Output data</td>
<td>Completed Block model</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p>It's worth noting that data structures and algorithms are independent of programming languages. For this reason, this book is able to provide implementations in multiple programming languages.</p>
<div class="admonition tip">
<p class="admonition-title">Conventional Abbreviation</p>
<p>In real-life discussions, we often refer to "Data Structures and Algorithms" simply as "Algorithms". For example, the well-known LeetCode algorithm problems actually test both data structure and algorithm knowledge.</p>
</div>
<!-- Source file information -->
<!-- Was this page helpful? -->
<!-- Previous and next pages link -->
<nav
class="md-footer__inner md-grid"
aria-label="Footer"
>
<!-- Link to previous page -->
<a
href="../algorithms_are_everywhere/"
class="md-footer__link md-footer__link--prev"
aria-label="Previous: 1.1 Algorithms Are Everywhere"
rel="prev"
>
<div class="md-footer__button md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M20 11v2H8l5.5 5.5-1.42 1.42L4.16 12l7.92-7.92L13.5 5.5 8 11h12Z"/></svg>
</div>
<div class="md-footer__title">
<span class="md-footer__direction">
Previous
</span>
<div class="md-ellipsis">
1.1 Algorithms Are Everywhere
</div>
</div>
</a>
<!-- Link to next page -->
<a
href="../summary/"
class="md-footer__link md-footer__link--next"
aria-label="Next: 1.3 Summary"
rel="next"
>
<div class="md-footer__title">
<span class="md-footer__direction">
Next
</span>
<div class="md-ellipsis">
1.3 Summary
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-footer__button md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M4 11v2h12l-5.5 5.5 1.42 1.42L19.84 12l-7.92-7.92L10.5 5.5 16 11H4Z"/></svg>
</div>
</a>
</nav>
<!-- Comment system -->
<h5 align="center" id="__comments">Feel free to drop your insights, questions or suggestions</h5>
<!-- Insert generated snippet here -->
<script
src="https://giscus.app/client.js"
data-repo="krahets/hello-algo"
data-repo-id="R_kgDOIXtSqw"
data-category="Announcements"
data-category-id="DIC_kwDOIXtSq84CSZk_"
data-mapping="pathname"
data-strict="1"
data-reactions-enabled="1"
data-emit-metadata="0"
data-input-position="top"
data-theme="preferred_color_scheme"
data-lang="en"
crossorigin="anonymous"
async
>
</script>
<!-- Synchronize Giscus theme with palette -->
<script>
var giscus = document.querySelector("script[src*=giscus]")
/* Set palette on initial load */
var palette = __md_get("__palette")
if (palette && typeof palette.color === "object") {
var theme = palette.color.scheme === "slate" ? "dark_dimmed" : "light"
giscus.setAttribute("data-theme", theme)
}
/* Register event handlers after documented loaded */
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {
var ref = document.querySelector("[data-md-component=palette]")
ref.addEventListener("change", function() {
var palette = __md_get("__palette")
if (palette && typeof palette.color === "object") {
var theme = palette.color.scheme === "slate" ? "dark_dimmed" : "light"
/* Instruct Giscus to change theme */
var frame = document.querySelector(".giscus-frame")
frame.contentWindow.postMessage(
{ giscus: { setConfig: { theme } } },
"https://giscus.app"
)
}
})
})
</script>
</article>
</div>
<script>var tabs=__md_get("__tabs");if(Array.isArray(tabs))e:for(var set of document.querySelectorAll(".tabbed-set")){var tab,labels=set.querySelector(".tabbed-labels");for(tab of tabs)for(var label of labels.getElementsByTagName("label"))if(label.innerText.trim()===tab){var input=document.getElementById(label.htmlFor);input.checked=!0;continue e}}</script>
<script>var target=document.getElementById(location.hash.slice(1));target&&target.name&&(target.checked=target.name.startsWith("__tabbed_"))</script>
</div>
<button type="button" class="md-top md-icon" data-md-component="top" hidden>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M13 20h-2V8l-5.5 5.5-1.42-1.42L12 4.16l7.92 7.92-1.42 1.42L13 8v12Z"/></svg>
Back to top
</button>
</main>
<footer class="md-footer">
<nav class="md-footer__inner md-grid" aria-label="Footer" >
<a href="../algorithms_are_everywhere/" class="md-footer__link md-footer__link--prev" aria-label="Previous: 1.1 Algorithms Are Everywhere">
<div class="md-footer__button md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M20 11v2H8l5.5 5.5-1.42 1.42L4.16 12l7.92-7.92L13.5 5.5 8 11h12Z"/></svg>
</div>
<div class="md-footer__title">
<span class="md-footer__direction">
Previous
</span>
<div class="md-ellipsis">
1.1 Algorithms Are Everywhere
</div>
</div>
</a>
<a href="../summary/" class="md-footer__link md-footer__link--next" aria-label="Next: 1.3 Summary">
<div class="md-footer__title">
<span class="md-footer__direction">
Next
</span>
<div class="md-ellipsis">
1.3 Summary
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-footer__button md-icon">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M4 11v2h12l-5.5 5.5 1.42 1.42L19.84 12l-7.92-7.92L10.5 5.5 16 11H4Z"/></svg>
</div>
</a>
</nav>
<div class="md-footer-meta md-typeset">
<div class="md-footer-meta__inner md-grid">
<div class="md-copyright">
<div class="md-copyright__highlight">
Copyright &copy; 2022 - 2023 Krahets
</div>
</div>
<div class="md-social">
<a href="https://github.com/krahets" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="github.com" class="md-social__link">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M165.9 397.4c0 2-2.3 3.6-5.2 3.6-3.3.3-5.6-1.3-5.6-3.6 0-2 2.3-3.6 5.2-3.6 3-.3 5.6 1.3 5.6 3.6zm-31.1-4.5c-.7 2 1.3 4.3 4.3 4.9 2.6 1 5.6 0 6.2-2s-1.3-4.3-4.3-5.2c-2.6-.7-5.5.3-6.2 2.3zm44.2-1.7c-2.9.7-4.9 2.6-4.6 4.9.3 2 2.9 3.3 5.9 2.6 2.9-.7 4.9-2.6 4.6-4.6-.3-1.9-3-3.2-5.9-2.9zM244.8 8C106.1 8 0 113.3 0 252c0 110.9 69.8 205.8 169.5 239.2 12.8 2.3 17.3-5.6 17.3-12.1 0-6.2-.3-40.4-.3-61.4 0 0-70 15-84.7-29.8 0 0-11.4-29.1-27.8-36.6 0 0-22.9-15.7 1.6-15.4 0 0 24.9 2 38.6 25.8 21.9 38.6 58.6 27.5 72.9 20.9 2.3-16 8.8-27.1 16-33.7-55.9-6.2-112.3-14.3-112.3-110.5 0-27.5 7.6-41.3 23.6-58.9-2.6-6.5-11.1-33.3 2.6-67.9 20.9-6.5 69 27 69 27 20-5.6 41.5-8.5 62.8-8.5s42.8 2.9 62.8 8.5c0 0 48.1-33.6 69-27 13.7 34.7 5.2 61.4 2.6 67.9 16 17.7 25.8 31.5 25.8 58.9 0 96.5-58.9 104.2-114.8 110.5 9.2 7.9 17 22.9 17 46.4 0 33.7-.3 75.4-.3 83.6 0 6.5 4.6 14.4 17.3 12.1C428.2 457.8 496 362.9 496 252 496 113.3 383.5 8 244.8 8zM97.2 352.9c-1.3 1-1 3.3.7 5.2 1.6 1.6 3.9 2.3 5.2 1 1.3-1 1-3.3-.7-5.2-1.6-1.6-3.9-2.3-5.2-1zm-10.8-8.1c-.7 1.3.3 2.9 2.3 3.9 1.6 1 3.6.7 4.3-.7.7-1.3-.3-2.9-2.3-3.9-2-.6-3.6-.3-4.3.7zm32.4 35.6c-1.6 1.3-1 4.3 1.3 6.2 2.3 2.3 5.2 2.6 6.5 1 1.3-1.3.7-4.3-1.3-6.2-2.2-2.3-5.2-2.6-6.5-1zm-11.4-14.7c-1.6 1-1.6 3.6 0 5.9 1.6 2.3 4.3 3.3 5.6 2.3 1.6-1.3 1.6-3.9 0-6.2-1.4-2.3-4-3.3-5.6-2z"/></svg>
</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/krahets" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="twitter.com" class="md-social__link">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M459.37 151.716c.325 4.548.325 9.097.325 13.645 0 138.72-105.583 298.558-298.558 298.558-59.452 0-114.68-17.219-161.137-47.106 8.447.974 16.568 1.299 25.34 1.299 49.055 0 94.213-16.568 130.274-44.832-46.132-.975-84.792-31.188-98.112-72.772 6.498.974 12.995 1.624 19.818 1.624 9.421 0 18.843-1.3 27.614-3.573-48.081-9.747-84.143-51.98-84.143-102.985v-1.299c13.969 7.797 30.214 12.67 47.431 13.319-28.264-18.843-46.781-51.005-46.781-87.391 0-19.492 5.197-37.36 14.294-52.954 51.655 63.675 129.3 105.258 216.365 109.807-1.624-7.797-2.599-15.918-2.599-24.04 0-57.828 46.782-104.934 104.934-104.934 30.213 0 57.502 12.67 76.67 33.137 23.715-4.548 46.456-13.32 66.599-25.34-7.798 24.366-24.366 44.833-46.132 57.827 21.117-2.273 41.584-8.122 60.426-16.243-14.292 20.791-32.161 39.308-52.628 54.253z"/></svg>
</a>
<a href="https://leetcode.cn/u/jyd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="leetcode.cn" class="md-social__link">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 640 512"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.5.1 by @fontawesome - https://fontawesome.com License - https://fontawesome.com/license/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2023 Fonticons, Inc.--><path d="M392.8 1.2c-17-4.9-34.7 5-39.6 22l-128 448c-4.9 17 5 34.7 22 39.6s34.7-5 39.6-22l128-448c4.9-17-5-34.7-22-39.6zm80.6 120.1c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l89.3 89.4-89.4 89.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l112-112c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-112-112c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0zm-306.7 0c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0l-112 112c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3l112 112c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L77.3 256l89.4-89.4c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3z"/></svg>
</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
</div>
<div class="md-dialog" data-md-component="dialog">
<div class="md-dialog__inner md-typeset"></div>
</div>
<script id="__config" type="application/json">{"base": "../..", "features": ["content.action.edit", "content.code.annotate", "content.code.copy", "content.tabs.link", "content.tooltips", "navigation.indexes", "navigation.top", "navigation.footer", "navigation.tracking", "search.highlight", "search.share", "search.suggest", "toc.follow"], "search": "../../assets/javascripts/workers/search.f886a092.min.js", "translations": {"clipboard.copied": "Copied to clipboard", "clipboard.copy": "Copy to clipboard", "search.result.more.one": "1 more on this page", "search.result.more.other": "# more on this page", "search.result.none": "No matching documents", "search.result.one": "1 matching document", "search.result.other": "# matching documents", "search.result.placeholder": "Type to start searching", "search.result.term.missing": "Missing", "select.version": "Select version"}}</script>
<script src="../../assets/javascripts/bundle.d7c377c4.min.js"></script>
<script src="../../javascripts/mathjax.js"></script>
<script src="https://polyfill.io/v3/polyfill.min.js?features=es6"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/mathjax@3/es5/tex-mml-chtml.js"></script>
<script>document$.subscribe(() => {const lightbox = GLightbox({"touchNavigation": true, "loop": false, "zoomable": true, "draggable": false, "openEffect": "zoom", "closeEffect": "zoom", "slideEffect": "none"});})</script></body>
</html>