Data Structures

Arrays, lists, trees, hash tables and their trade-offs.

Data Structures is taught here in 3 lessons, running from Arrays, linked lists, stacks and queues through to Trees and choosing a structure. Each lesson takes one topic, shows the working code, and links onward to the next, so the course can be read straight through in order.

TrackComputer Science Fundamentals
Lessons3
LevelBeginner
Reading timeabout 39 minutes
PrerequisitesHelpful, but not required: Algorithms

Lessons

  1. Arrays, linked lists, stacks and queuesContiguous memory versus pointers, why pop from the front is the classic performance mistake, and how to pick a container.
  2. Hash tablesHow hashing turns a key into a slot, what collisions and load factor do to performance, and what makes a key usable.
  3. Trees and choosing a structureBinary search trees, why balance decides everything, heaps for priority, and a decision table for real code.

More in Computer Science Fundamentals

Algorithms Computer Networks Operating Systems Character Encodings Hashing & Checksums Data Formats Dates & Time Regular Expressions

FAQ

How long does the Data Structures course take?
It has 3 lessons, about 39 minutes of reading. Expect roughly twice that if you type out and run every example.
Do I need prior experience for Data Structures?
Not strictly. It helps to have read Algorithms first, because some lessons build on it, but every lesson explains its own assumptions.
What should I read after Data Structures?
Continue with Computer Networks (3 lessons), the next course in Computer Science Fundamentals.

Last refreshed 2026-09-18.