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Data Structures and Algorithms

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Data Structures and Algorithms

This course is part of multiple programs.

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

36 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
5 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

36 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
5 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

39 assignments¹

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Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course

This course explores data structures and algorithms for back-end development, focusing on performance and scalability. You'll learn to analyze, implement, and optimize key structures and algorithms in .NET Core to efficiently solve real-world back-end challenges.

By the end of this course, you will be able to… Analyze the efficiency of common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (sorting, searching) to determine their impact on back-end development. Implement data structures and algorithms in .NET Core to solve specific back-end problems, including sorting, searching, and traversal tasks, with a focus on performance and scalability. Design scalable back-end applications using appropriate data structures and algorithms, optimizing for performance in areas such as database query handling and large-scale data processing within the final project. Optimize back-end code for performance by applying advanced algorithmic techniques and refactoring inefficient solutions based on complexity analysis throughout the course.

Understanding fundamental data structures is essential for efficient back-end development. This module introduces core data structures, including arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues, explaining their characteristics and use cases. Learners will implement these structures in a .NET Core environment and analyze their time and space complexity using Big O notation. By comparing different linear data structures, participants will develop the ability to select the most suitable one for various back-end applications, such as optimizing API request handling.

What's included

22 videos13 readings8 assignments3 ungraded labs3 plugins

22 videosTotal 82 minutes
  • Course Introduction: Data Structures and Algorithms2 minutes
  • Instructor Introduction2 minutes
  • The What’s What of the Course3 minutes
  • Completing the Guided Labs4 minutes
  • Introducing the AI Tool: Microsoft Copilot3 minutes
  • How to Be Successful in This Program5 minutes
  • Introduction to the Project5 minutes
  • Introduction to Data Structures2 minutes
  • Characteristics of Arrays and Linked Lists5 minutes
  • Use Cases for Stacks and Queues4 minutes
  • Implementing Arrays and Linked Lists in .NET Core4 minutes
  • Stacks and Queues Implementation With .NET Core4 minutes
  • Implementing Data Structures in Visual Studio Code5 minutes
  • Introduction to Big O Notation4 minutes
  • Applying Big O Notation to Data Structures5 minutes
  • Introduction to Distributed Caching5 minutes
  • Tools for Distributed Caching (e.g., Redis, SQL Server)3 minutes
  • Configuring Distributed Caching With Redis in .NET Core4 minutes
  • Introduction to Cache Expiration Policies4 minutes
  • Strategies for Choosing the Right Expiration Policy4 minutes
  • Implementing Cache Expiration Policies in .NET Core With Redis5 minutes
  • Conclusion: Introduction to Data Structures2 minutes
13 readingsTotal 170 minutes
  • Course Syllabus: Data Structures and Algorithms10 minutes
  • Completing the Guided Labs30 minutes
  • Microsoft Tools for Back-End Development10 minutes
  • Activity: Reflection on Data Structures - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Choosing the Right Data Structure for the Job10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Data Structures in Visual Studio Code - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Implementing Data Structures in .NET Core10 minutes
  • Activity: Annotate Code With Big O Notation - Answer Key30 minutes
  • Analyzing Time and Space Complexity: A Practical Guide10 minutes
  • You Try It! Configuring Distributed Caching With Redis in .NET Core - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Configuring Redis and SQL Server for Distributed Caching10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Cache Expiration Policies in .NET Core With Redis - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Implementing Cache Expiration Policies With Redis10 minutes
8 assignmentsTotal 220 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Introduction to Data Structures50 minutes
  • Activity: Reflection on Data Structures30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Key Linear Data Structures20 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Implementing Data Structures With .NET Core25 minutes
  • Activity: Annotate Code With Big O Notation30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Analyzing Data Structure Performance With Big O Notation25 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Configuring Distributed Caching in .NET Core20 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Implementing and Managing Cache Expiration Policies20 minutes
3 ungraded labsTotal 180 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Data Structures in Visual Studio Code60 minutes
  • You Try It! Configuring Distributed Caching With Redis in .NET Core60 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Cache Expiration Policies in .NET Core With Redis60 minutes
3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing Data Structures in Visual Studio Code15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Configuring Distributed Caching With Redis in .NET Core15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing Cache Expiration Policies in .NET Core With Redis15 minutes

Efficient data processing requires mastering sorting and searching algorithms. This module covers widely used sorting techniques, such as bubble sort, quicksort, and merge sort, emphasizing their efficiency and real-world applications. Learners will implement these algorithms in .NET Core, analyze their time and space complexity, and explore searching techniques like linear search and binary search. By applying binary search within sorted data sets, participants will enhance back-end system performance and evaluate trade-offs between different algorithmic approaches.

What's included

18 videos11 readings9 assignments3 ungraded labs3 plugins

18 videosTotal 87 minutes
  • Introduction to Sorting and Searching Algorithms2 minutes
  • Introduction to Bubble Sorting Algorithms3 minutes
  • Mechanics of Quicksort and Merge Sort6 minutes
  • Implementing Bubble Sort in .NET Core6 minutes
  • Implementing Quicksort and Merge Sort in .NET Core6 minutes
  • Implementing and Testing Sorting Algorithms in .NET Core5 minutes
  • Linear Search in Data Structures3 minutes
  • Applying Linear Search in Data Structures3 minutes
  • Binary Search in Sorted Data Structures5 minutes
  • Applying Binary Search in Sorted Data Structures6 minutes
  • Implementing Binary Search in .NET Core5 minutes
  • Applying Binary Search in Back-End Systems4 minutes
  • Code Optimization Techniques Using Binary Search11 minutes
  • Binary Search for Efficient API Request Handling4 minutes
  • Comparing Time and Space Complexities5 minutes
  • Identifying Best-Use Cases for Sorting Algorithms in Back-End Systems5 minutes
  • Best-Use Cases for Sorting Algorithms in Back-End Systems5 minutes
  • Conclusion: Sorting and Searching Algorithms2 minutes
11 readingsTotal 110 minutes
  • Activity: Sorting Algorithm Comparison Exercise - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Sorting Algorithms: Use Cases and Performance10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing and Testing Sorting Algorithms in .NET Core - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Sorting Algorithms: Efficiency and Real-World Applications10 minutes
  • Activity: Comparing Linear and Binary Search Algorithms - Answer Key10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Binary Search in .NET Core - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Linear vs. Binary Search: Algorithm Selection and Optimization10 minutes
  • You Try It! Binary Search for Efficient API Request Handling - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Optimizing API Request Handling With Binary Search10 minutes
  • Choosing the Right Sorting Algorithm: A Practical Guide10 minutes
  • Activity: Evaluating Sorting Algorithms for Different Back-End Scenarios - Answer Key10 minutes
9 assignmentsTotal 250 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Sorting and Searching Algorithms50 minutes
  • Activity: Sorting Algorithm Comparison Exercise30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Sorting Algorithms20 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Implementing and Analyzing Sorting Algorithms in .NET Core20 minutes
  • Activity: Comparing Linear and Binary Search Algorithms30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Searching Algorithms in Data Structures30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Optimizing Search Operations With Binary Search15 minutes
  • Activity: Evaluating Sorting Algorithms for Different Back-End Scenarios30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Evaluating Sorting Algorithms for Back-End Performance25 minutes
3 ungraded labsTotal 180 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing and Testing Sorting Algorithms in .NET Core60 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Binary Search in .NET Core60 minutes
  • You Try It! Binary Search for Efficient API Request Handling60 minutes
3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing and Testing Sorting Algorithms in .NET Core15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing Binary Search in .NET Core15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Binary Search for Efficient API Request Handling15 minutes

Hierarchical and interconnected data structures are essential for many back-end applications. This module introduces tree structures, including binary trees and balanced trees (e.g., AVL trees), along with traversal techniques such as preorder, inorder, and postorder traversal. Learners will also explore graph theory concepts, implementing traversal algorithms like Depth-First Search (DFS) and Breadth-First Search (BFS) to solve practical back-end challenges. Analyzing the time and space complexity of these structures will help developers optimize system performance.

What's included

14 videos11 readings9 assignments3 ungraded labs3 plugins

14 videosTotal 72 minutes
  • Introduction to Trees and Graphs1 minute
  • Overview of Tree Structures4 minutes
  • Practical Use Cases for Tree Structures4 minutes
  • Introduction to Tree Traversal Techniques4 minutes
  • Implementing Tree Traversals in .NET Core6 minutes
  • Directed vs. Undirected Graphs3 minutes
  • Implementing Graph Traversal Algorithms in .NET Core5 minutes
  • Introduction to Load Balancing6 minutes
  • Load Balancing Algorithms and Strategies13 minutes
  • Implementing Load Balancing Algorithms in .NET Core6 minutes
  • Introduction to Asynchronous Processing6 minutes
  • Implementing Asynchronous Tasks in .NET Core7 minutes
  • Asynchronous Processing in Back-End Systems5 minutes
  • Conclusion: Trees and Graphs2 minutes
11 readingsTotal 111 minutes
  • Tree Structures10 minutes
  • Exploring Tree Traversal Algorithms1 minute
  • Activity: Select the Right Graph Type - Answer Key10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Graph Traversal Algorithms in .NET Core - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Graph Traversal Quick Reference20 minutes
  • Activity: Select the Right Load Balancing Algorithm - Answer Key10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Load Balancing Algorithms in .NET Core - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Load Balancing Techniques for Scalable Systems10 minutes
  • Activity: Create a Simple Asynchronous Task - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Asynchronous Processing and Its Role in Scalability10 minutes
  • You Try It! Asynchronous Processing in Back-End Systems - Answer Key10 minutes
9 assignmentsTotal 255 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Trees and Graphs50 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Tree Structures20 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Implementing Tree Traversal Algorithms20 minutes
  • Activity: Select the Right Graph Type30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Graph Theory Concepts and Practical Applications25 minutes
  • Activity: Select the Right Load Balancing Algorithm30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Load Balancing Concepts and Implementation20 minutes
  • Activity: Create a Simple Asynchronous Task30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Asynchronous Processing for Scalable Applications30 minutes
3 ungraded labsTotal 180 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Graph Traversal Algorithms in .NET Core60 minutes
  • You Try It! Implementing Load Balancing Algorithms in .NET Core60 minutes
  • You Try It! Asynchronous Processing in Back-End Systems60 minutes
3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing Graph Traversal Algorithms in .NET Core15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implementing Load Balancing Algorithms in .NET Core15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Asynchronous Processing in Back-End Systems15 minutes

Advanced problem-solving techniques, such as dynamic programming and greedy algorithms, play a crucial role in optimizing back-end systems. This module covers the implementation of dynamic programming solutions (e.g., Fibonacci sequence, longest common subsequence) and explores how hashing and hash tables improve search operations. Learners will apply these advanced algorithms to real-world back-end tasks, such as database query processing and authentication systems, while evaluating trade-offs between different algorithmic approaches.

What's included

13 videos10 readings9 assignments2 ungraded labs2 plugins

13 videosTotal 70 minutes
  • Introduction to Advanced Algorithms and Problem-Solving2 minutes
  • Overview of Dynamic Programming7 minutes
  • Overview of Greedy Algorithms7 minutes
  • Introduction to Code-Based Dynamic Programming Tasks5 minutes
  • Demonstrating Dynamic Programming for Cache Optimization7 minutes
  • Implement Dynamic Programming in a Scheduling Application4 minutes
  • Introduction to Hashing Concepts7 minutes
  • Demonstrating Hash Table Implementation in .NET Core5 minutes
  • Overview of Performance Optimization Using Copilot3 minutes
  • Applying Copilot for Comprehensive Performance Optimization4 minutes
  • Introduction to Algorithmic Trade-Offs8 minutes
  • Implementing a Greedy Algorithm in a Back-End System7 minutes
  • Conclusion: Advanced Algorithms and Problem-Solving2 minutes
10 readingsTotal 100 minutes
  • Dynamic Programming vs. Greedy Algorithms: Which to Choose?10 minutes
  • You Try It! Implement Dynamic Programming in a Scheduling Application - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Memoization and Resource Scheduling with Dynamic Programming10 minutes
  • Activity: Hash Table Use Case Analysis - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Using Hash Tables for Fast Search and Authentication10 minutes
  • Activity: Identifying Copilot Optimization Opportunities - Answer Key10 minutes
  • You Try It! Applying Copilot for Comprehensive Performance Optimization - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Optimization with Copilot: Key Features and Best Practice10 minutes
  • Activity: Selecting the Best Algorithm for a Real-World Problem - Answer Key10 minutes
  • Choosing the Right Algorithmic Strategy10 minutes
9 assignmentsTotal 250 minutes
  • Graded Quiz: Advanced Algorithms and Problem-Solving50 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Dynamic Programming and Greedy Algorithms15 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Implementing Dynamic Programming in Real-World Scenarios20 minutes
  • Activity: Hash Table Use Case Analysis30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Hashing and Hash Tables in Back-End Systems25 minutes
  • Activity: Identifying Copilot Optimization Opportunities30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: AI-Driven Performance Optimization Capstone Project25 minutes
  • Activity: Selecting the Best Algorithm for a Real-World Problem30 minutes
  • Practice Quiz: Assessing Algorithmic Trade-Offs in Back-End Systems25 minutes
2 ungraded labsTotal 120 minutes
  • You Try It! Implement Dynamic Programming in a Scheduling Application60 minutes
  • You Try It! Applying Copilot for Comprehensive Performance Optimization60 minutes
2 pluginsTotal 30 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Implement Dynamic Programming in a Scheduling Application15 minutes
  • Guided Lab: Applying Copilot for Comprehensive Performance Optimization15 minutes

AI-assisted development tools like Microsoft Copilot can streamline the implementation and optimization of complex algorithms. This module explores how Copilot enhances back-end efficiency by assisting in writing and optimizing data structures and algorithms in .NET Core. Learners will use Copilot to implement advanced algorithms like Dijkstra's shortest path and A* search, analyze AI-generated code for performance improvements, and complete a comprehensive optimization project. By leveraging Copilot, developers can refine their approach to algorithmic design and scalability.

What's included

10 videos4 readings4 assignments1 peer review

10 videosTotal 37 minutes
  • Introduction to Algorithmic Optimization and Advanced Problem-Solving1 minute
  • Overview of Microsoft Copilot Capabilities for Back-End Development4 minutes
  • Using the Microsoft Copilot to Generate Code Snippets for Data Structures4 minutes
  • Overview of Advanced Algorithms—Dijkstra’s and A*3 minutes
  • Generating Dijkstra’s Algorithm Using Microsoft Copilot5 minutes
  • Introduction to Time and Space Complexity in LLM-Generated Code4 minutes
  • Annotating Microsoft Copilot Generated Code for Performance Optimization5 minutes
  • Refining Existing Code With Microsoft Copilot Assistance4 minutes
  • Refactoring a Priority Queue Using Copilot4 minutes
  • Course Conclusion: Data Structures and Algorithms2 minutes
4 readingsTotal 40 minutes
  • Harnessing Microsoft Copilot to Enhance Algorithmic Efficiency10 minutes
  • Leveraging AI for Advanced Problem-Solving10 minutes
  • Optimizing Algorithm Performance With AI Insights10 minutes
  • Refactoring and Optimizing With AI10 minutes
4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes
  • Activity: Hands-On Microsoft Copilot Code Generation30 minutes
  • Activity: Applying Microsoft Copilot Generated Algorithms in Real-World Contexts30 minutes
  • Activity: Performance Analysis and Refinement30 minutes
  • Activity: Optimizing Data Structures With the LLM30 minutes
1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes
  • Data Structures and Algorithms Project60 minutes

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