Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java (Hardcover)

by Mark Allen Weiss (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java teaches data structures and algorithms from the perspective of abstract thinking and problem solving. In this text, experienced author and educator Mark Allen Weiss takes a unique approach by clearly separating the specification and implementation of data structures. Dr. Weiss presents the interface and running time of data structures in Part II of the book. Then, he provides the opportunity for students to use the data structures in a variety of practical examples before introducing the implementations in Part IV. By first gaining a familiarity with the interfaces and uses of data structures, readers will be able to think more abstractly about the subject matter.

From the Back Cover
Features Contains extensive sample code using Java 1.1, which is available over the Internet and has been tested and reviewed by a professional programmer for accuracy. Provides an introduction to Java in Part I and also covers Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's) in an appendix. Includes pedagogical aids such as margin notes and comprehensive end-of-chapter material to help readers grasp challenging concepts. Offers flexibility in topic coverage by minimizing dependencies among the different chapters.

0201549913B04062001

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 779 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201549913
• ISBN-13: 978-0201549911
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,373,381 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good Code, Terrible Explanations, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

I am using this book in a class on Data Structures and Algorithms. This book has a lot of material and code in it which makes it good. However, his explanations are terrible. They are ambiguous and unclear. If you can teach yourself from the code, then this is a good book for you. If your looking for clear explanations, look somewhere else.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars algorithms are primary, Java is secondary, July 27, 2005

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

[A review of the THIRD EDITION 2005]

The book teaches two things. Algorithms that are very useful in computing. And how these can be coded in Java.

The explanation of the algorithms requires a reasonable amount of mathematical sophistication on your part. They all relate to discrete maths, and cover topics like sorting, random number generation and graphs. The complexity of the discussion is less than that in Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming". Perhaps more akin to Sedgewick or Aho's algorithms texts. There is a fair amount of abstraction that you'll have to deal with.

The other task in the book is explaining how Java is well suited in which to code these algorithms. Weiss also makes good use of the Java interface ability. If you think of an algorithm as being implemented in a subroutine [ie. a procedural approach], then the book uses interfaces to let you design a program at a higher level, and making it quite modular and independent of specific implementations of given algorithms.

The book does deal with Java 5. But perhaps the most important aspect of Java used in the book is the interface. So the book is quite germane even if you are using an earlier Java.

But what if you program in another language? Is the book relevant? Quite possibly. Firstly, some other languages, like C#, have interfaces. More importantly, if you regard the algorithms as the most important aspect of the book, and you are a skilled programmer, then coding is the easier aspect.

A remark to a lecturer: If you are teaching a course and are contemplating this book as its text, be careful. Try to ensure that the expected background of your class is compatible with the book. For example, if they will be experienced Java programmers, but have little maths knowledge (and this combination is certainly possible), then the book may not be very useful to them.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, November 19, 2005

By	L. KENG "Truth Seeker" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

I got the 2002 edition of this book for a class one and a half year ago. It is a great book. Yes, the book covers some of the basics of Java, then it goes into various analysis, algorithms, implementations, etc. It is not for beginners, and some math background will help tremendously. There is no way we could have covered all the topics in the book. It is simply too rich. It is very well written and contains great explanation. I especially like the Big Oh introduction. I found myself getting even more out of it every time I go back and read it again. Just like everything else in life, repitition is the key.