Data structures: lists/arrays

This lesson focuses on data structures: lists/arrays. Interdisciplinary approaches reveal connections that single-subject study might miss.

Data structures organize and store data efficiently. Lists/Arrays: ordered collections of elements accessed by index (position, starting at 0). Example: fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]; fruits[0] = "apple". Common list operations: append (add to end), insert (add at position), remove (delete element), sort, length. Strings are sequences of characters, essentially a special list. String methods: length, upper/lower case, split (break into list), join, find (search for substring), replace. Two-dimensional arrays (lists of lists) represent grids and tables. Dictionaries/Maps: store key-value pairs (like a real dictionary—look up by key, get value). Stacks and Queues are special-purpose structures: a stack is LIFO (last in, first out—like a pile of plates); a queue is FIFO (first in, first out—like a line). Choosing the right data structure for a problem dramatically affects efficiency.

As you engage with this material, consider both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. Think critically about how this concept builds on prior knowledge and where you might apply it beyond the classroom.

Challenge yourself to go beyond memorization—seek to understand the "why" behind the processes and principles.