Data Structures Demystified (Demystified) [Paperback]

James Keogh (Author), Ken Davidson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072253592 | ISBN-13: 978-0072253597 | Publication Date: February 27, 2004 | Edition: 1

Whether you are an entry-level or seasoned designer or programmer, learn all about data structures in this easy-to-understand, self-teaching guide that can be directly applied to any programming language. From memory and addresses to hashtables, authors Keogh and Davidson, provide clear explanations that demystify this “algebra of programming.”

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The fast and easy way to understanding the fundamentals of data structures

If you’ve been searching for that quick, easy-to-understand guide to walk you through data structures, look no further. Data Structures Demystified is all these things and more. Whether you’re trying to program stacks and linked lists or figure out hashtables, here you’ll find step-by-step instruction to get the job done fast.

No longer will you have to wade through thick, dry academic tomes, heavy on technical language and information you don’t need. In Data Structures Demystified, each chapter starts off with an example from everyday life to demonstrate upcoming concepts, making this a totally accessible read. The authors goes a step further and offer examples at the end of the chapter illustrating what you’ve just learned in Java and C++.

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Data Structures Demystified is your shortcut to mastering data structures.

This one-of-a-kind self-teaching text offers:

• An easy way to understand data structures
• A quiz at the end of each chapter
• A final exam at the end of the book
• No unnecessary technical jargon
• A time-saving approach

About the Author

JIM KEOGH (Ridgefield Park, NJ) is a Columbia University Faculty member and teaches Object-oriented programming along with other computer science courses.

KEN DAVIDSON (Yorktown Heights, NY) is a Columbia University faculty member who teaches Data Structures along with other computer science courses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (February 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072253592
• ISBN-13: 978-0072253597
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Algorithms > Data Structures

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very clear treatment of some complex topics, May 8, 2004

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Data Structures Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

Target Audience
Developers who want or need a practical course on data structures in computer programming.

Contents
This is a practical guide on data structures and how they are used in a programming environment.

The book is divided into the following chapters: Memory, Abstract Data Types, and Addresses; The Point About Variables and Pointers; What Is an Array?; Stacks Using an Array; Queues Using an Array; What Is a Linked List?; Stacks Using Linked Lists; Queues Using Linked Lists; Stacks and Queues: Insert, Delete, Peek, Find; What Is a Tree?; What Is a Hashtable?; Final Exam; Answers to Quizzes and Final Exam; Index

Review
If you went the traditional college route to make it into programming, you no doubt had a course or two on data structures. But if you're like me and more into the self-taught method, data structures are one of those things you hear about but never probably take the time to understand. You may use them, but you don't really understand the theory behind what they are and when they should be used. For you (and me), Data Structures Demystified helps get you up to speed in a practical, straightforward manner.

Each chapter follows a standard format. The subject (such as linked lists) is likened to some real world situation. The structure is then explained and illustrated in generic terms using C++ or Java code. The methods necessary to manipulate the data structure are explained, followed by an implementation in both C++ and Java code. Finally, there's a short quiz at the end to test your understanding of the concepts just discussed.

As a Java programmer, I found this book helpful in conceptually fleshing out some of the array constructs that you can use in the language. While many reference books might tell you that you have a HashMap class along with certain properties and methods, not too many books actually go into any depth about what a hashmap is and how it should be used. Having an understanding of these "whys" can make all the difference when you're trying to decide how best to structure your program.

And if you're tending to shy away from this title thinking it would be too simplistic, don't. This is not an entertainment book that treats you like a newbie. You'll have to think about what you're reading, and it will take some effort to understand the details. But it's all presented clearly, so at least you have a chance if you're not Einstein to begin with.

Conclusion
This book is very good for C++ and Java programmers who have not taken formal courses in data structures, and need a better understanding of the subject.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pros stay away - but this is a must buy those starting out, August 3, 2005

By 

Computer Bob - See all my reviews

This review is from: Data Structures Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

Data structures is complex, but these authors take the pain out of learning data structures. Warning. This isn't for anyone who wants advance knowledge about data structures. There are other books that will fill those needs. However, this is a perfect way to learn basic data structures enough so that you can easily move on to more advance books on the topic. I teacher data structures and I won't have any problem recommending this book to my students to suppliment my course.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These Authors achieved the impossible., August 14, 2009

By 

Rick A. Morelan "Author of SQL Joes 2 Pros bo... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Data Structures Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

OK I gotta say that I agree with ALL of the reviews listed about the book. What the 5 start and 1 star reviewers say is true so it depends on what you look for in a book. When you read a book you can tell if the author truly cares about the success of the reader. When they do then that is what makes it a great book. The spirit and extra care James and Ken seem make is taking the scary mask off the data structure beast. They use example we can all relate to from our everyday lives. When they are done you vividly understand this material. Their ability to do this is matched by very few books. It helped me immensely and my standards are very high.

Yes I did squint when they talked about memory space 2 and the figure arrow points to memory space 3. That is minor compared to what this book does well. The stories and examples are great and it turned something I struggled with for months into an achievement over a single weekend. So how do you rate such a book? The greatness of this book far outweighs the minor mistakes. I am torn between 4 and 5 stars and feel the average needs me to pull this up to more of what is deserves so here are my 5 stars. In fact if it were not for them some minor editing oversights it would be the perfect book. I would like to read other books created by this dynamic duo of James and Ken. Nice work!