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Software Engineering vocabulary · Data Structures and Algorithms

Data structure

Meaning in software engineering, with examples

/ˈdeɪtə ˌstrʌktʃər/nounCommon term

In software engineering, data structure means: A way of organizing data in memory, such as an array, list, tree or hash map, so that certain operations are fast and simple.

In Turkish: veri yapısı

How it is used

Choosing the right data structure is a common topic in reviews and interviews: 'A set would be a better data structure here.' Courses often pair the topic with algorithms as 'DSA' (data structures and algorithms).

Example sentences

  1. We switched to a better data structure, and the lookup went from seconds to milliseconds.

  2. Interviewers usually ask you to pick a data structure and explain why.

Common collocations

  • choose a data structure
  • basic data structures
  • data structures and algorithms
  • the right data structure
  • arrayAn ordered collection of items stored one after another, where each item can be reached by its position number, called an index.
  • hash mapA data structure that stores key-value pairs and finds the value for a given key very quickly, usually in constant time.
  • algorithmA clear, step-by-step method for solving a problem or doing a task, such as sorting a list or finding the shortest route between two points.
  • time complexityHow the number of steps an algorithm takes grows as the size of its input grows, usually written in Big O notation.

More terms: Data Structures and Algorithms

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