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Measuring Work: Data Structures and Algorithms: Uncharted

Courses Data Structures and AlgorithmsMeasuring Work

Measuring Work

Measure operation growth directly, then use Big-O to name the shape.

Data Structures and Algorithms
Unit 1 of 16
20 lessons
128 min
420 XP

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Lessons

20 total

1The Instant SearchRecognize why measuring work changes how you choose an algorithm.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
2Count the StepsApply instrumented single-pass counting to instrumenting one loop and reporting its work for two input sizes.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
3Same Answer, Different PriceApply loop-versus-formula comparison to comparing a loop sum with a constant-work arithmetic formula.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
4Growth ClassesClassify constant, linear, and quadratic work from how many input items an operation must touch.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
5The Doubling TestApply measured doubling ratio to comparing the operation count at n and at 2n.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
6Big-O Names the ShapeInterpret O(1), O(log n), O(n), and O(n²) as long-run growth shapes when input doubles.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
7Drop the CrumbsApply dominant-term comparison to comparing 3n + 5 operations with n operations as inputs grow.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
8Nested Means MultipliedApply nested every-pair scan to comparing every photo with every later photo.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
9Predict the CountPredict operation counts for sequential, nested, and repeatedly halved loops before running them.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
10Early Exit, Honest BooksApply early-exit linear search to counting the best and worst cases while finding your keys.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
11The Average DayDistinguish best-, worst-, and average-case claims and state the input assumptions behind each.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
12Halving Feels FlatApply repeated integer halving to halving a giant pile until one item remains.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
13Space Costs TooApply constant-space accumulator versus full copy to contrasting a running total with building a full copy.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
14Loops in a RowApply two sequential linear passes to showing that sequential loops add their work instead of multiplying it.CodeConcept6 min20 XPOpen
15Order the GrowthOrder O(1), O(log n), O(n), O(n log n), and O(n²) by their long-run growth.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
16The Price MenuMatch direct lookup, full scans, and all-pairs comparisons to their complexity costs.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
17Tune the Slow OneApply seen-set duplicate detection to replacing a nested duplicate scan with a seen set.CodePractice8 min20 XPOpen
18Describe Your AlgorithmJustify an algorithm's time and extra-space complexity from its repeated operations and stored state.InteractiveConcept6 min20 XPOpen
19Worst-Case HuntApply worst-case full scan construction to constructing an input that forces a full scan.CodePractice8 min20 XPOpen
20Measuring Work Mastery CheckApply paired linear and quadratic instrumentation to instrumenting and classifying two functions from their measured work.CodeMastery check10 min40 XPOpen

Arrays and Strings