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⇱ Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations | Coursera

Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations

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Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze algorithm efficiency using time and space complexity, including recursive cases, to write optimized and scalable solutions.

  • Apply Big O notation confidently to evaluate and compare different algorithmic approaches in coding interviews and real-world scenarios.

  • Solve array, linked list, and hash table problems using structured problem-solving techniques and industry-standard coding practices.

  • Approach coding interviews strategically using Leetcode-style problems while improving logical thinking and debugging skills.

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Recently updated!

May 2026

Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the LEETCODE In C++ - Top 100 Coding Interview Problems Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 6 modules in this course

This course features Coursera Coach!

A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Build a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms to confidently tackle coding interviews and real-world problem solving. You will learn how to analyze time and space complexity, apply Big O notation, and understand how efficient code impacts performance. Through hands-on practice, you will strengthen your logical thinking and develop a problem-solving mindset essential for technical roles. The course begins with an introduction to coding interview preparation using Leetcode, guiding you on how to approach problems strategically. It then dives deep into time and space complexity, covering both theoretical concepts and practical examples, including recursive cases and live demonstrations to reinforce your understanding. As you progress, you will explore core data structures such as arrays, linked lists, and hash tables, learning their strengths, limitations, and real-world applications. Each section is paired with carefully selected problems, including popular interview questions like Two Sum, Maximum Subarray, and Linked List Cycle, enabling you to apply concepts effectively. This course is ideal for aspiring software engineers, students, and professionals preparing for coding interviews. Basic programming knowledge is recommended, and the course is designed at a beginner to intermediate level for gradual skill development. By the end of the course, you will be able to analyze algorithm efficiency, solve complex coding problems using key data structures, and confidently approach technical interviews with optimized solutions.

In this module, we will introduce Leetcode, offering insights and strategies to help you get started with your coding interview preparation. By the end of this section, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently begin solving problems on Leetcode.

What's included

1 video2 readings

1 video•Total 4 minutes
  • Introduction to the Specialization•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
  • Introduction to the Course 'Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations'•10 minutes
  • Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes

In this module, we will cover essential concepts of time and space complexity, focusing on Big O notation and how to apply it in coding interviews. You’ll learn through a series of examples, helping you build a strong foundation in algorithm analysis.

What's included

13 videos1 assignment

13 videos•Total 84 minutes
  • Introduction To Time & Space Complexity•6 minutes
  • What is Big O Notation?•8 minutes
  • Calculating Time Complexity Example 1•10 minutes
  • Checking If Big O Notation Is Acceptable In Interviews•11 minutes
  • Calculating Time Complexity Example 2•9 minutes
  • Myth About Time Complexity•3 minutes
  • Calculating Time Complexity Of Recursive Cases•7 minutes
  • Recursive Time Complexity Example 2•9 minutes
  • Time Complexity Live Demonstration•3 minutes
  • Introduction To Space Complexity•5 minutes
  • Space Complexity Calculation Simple Case•6 minutes
  • Recursive Space Complexity Example 1•4 minutes
  • Recursive Space Complexity Example 2•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Time & Space Complexity Analysis - Assessment•15 minutes

In this module, we will explore arrays, discussing their advantages, limitations, and practical applications. We’ll dive into a series of Leetcode problems that will give you hands-on experience with arrays and improve your problem-solving skills.

What's included

10 videos1 assignment

10 videos•Total 77 minutes
  • What are arrays and why are they so fast?!•7 minutes
  • Drawbacks Of Using Arrays•6 minutes
  • How Do Resizable Arrays Work•7 minutes
  • Practice Problem 1 - Max Consecutive Ones•5 minutes
  • Practice Problem 2 - Best Time To Buy And Sell Stock•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 3 - Product Of Array Except Self•7 minutes
  • Practice Problem 4 - Rotate Array•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 5 - Maximum Sum Subarray•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 6 - Maximum Product Subarray•9 minutes
  • Practice Problem 7 - Valid Sudoku•12 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Arrays Theory + Leetcode Problems - Assessment•15 minutes

In this module, we will solve various sorting-related problems that are commonly asked in coding interviews. You will gain practical experience with sorting algorithms while tackling problems like moving zeros and sorting colors.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

3 videos•Total 26 minutes
  • Practice Problem 1 - Move Zeroes•5 minutes
  • Practice Problem 2 - Sort Colors•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 3 - Majority Element•13 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Sorting Problems - Assessment•15 minutes

In this module, we will delve into linked lists, exploring both basic and advanced problems. Through solving problems like reversing a linked list and detecting cycles, you’ll strengthen your linked list problem-solving abilities.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment

9 videos•Total 104 minutes
  • Practice Problem 1 - Intersection Of Two Linked Lists•17 minutes
  • Practice Problem 2 - Merge Two Sorted Lists•10 minutes
  • Practice Problem 3 - Linked List Cycle•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 4 - Reverse Linked List•11 minutes
  • Practice Problem 5 - Palindrome Linked List•22 minutes
  • Practice Problem 6 - Linked List Cycle II•8 minutes
  • Practice Problem 7 - Find Middle Of The Linked List•7 minutes
  • Practice Problem 8 - Remove Nth Node From End Of List•10 minutes
  • Practice Problem 9 - Add Two Numbers•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Linked Lists - Assessment•15 minutes

In this module, we will introduce hash tables and explore their functionality in solving complex coding challenges. You’ll practice using hash tables to address problems such as detecting duplicates and grouping anagrams effectively.

What's included

9 videos1 reading3 assignments

9 videos•Total 97 minutes
  • Introduction to Hash Table•6 minutes
  • How does Hash Table work•8 minutes
  • Hash Table Collision Resolution•9 minutes
  • Practice Problem 1 - Contains Duplicate•3 minutes
  • Practice Problem 2- Two Sum•10 minutes
  • Practice Problem 3 - Valid Anagram•2 minutes
  • Practice Problem 4 - Group Anagrams•9 minutes
  • Practice Problem 5- Longest Consecutive Sequence•24 minutes
  • Practice Problem 6 - Three Sum•27 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Conclusion to the Course 'Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
  • Hash Table - Assessment•15 minutes
  • Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
  • Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes

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Frequently asked questions

Data Structures and Algorithmic Foundations refer to the core concepts used to organize data efficiently and solve computational problems effectively. This knowledge is highly relevant because it forms the backbone of software development and is essential for performing well in technical interviews, competitive programming, and real-world problem-solving scenarios.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental data structures and algorithmic thinking. It covers key topics such as time and space complexity, Big O notation, arrays, sorting techniques, linked lists, and hash tables, along with practical problem-solving using platforms like LeetCode to reinforce learning through real coding challenges.

After completing this course, you will be able to analyze algorithms using time and space complexity, understand and implement core data structures like arrays, linked lists, and hash tables, and confidently solve common coding interview problems. You will also develop problem-solving skills that are essential for technical interviews and programming tasks.

Basic programming knowledge in any language such as Python, Java, or C++ is recommended to get the most out of this course. Familiarity with simple programming constructs like loops, conditionals, and functions will help you follow along more easily, but no advanced knowledge of algorithms is required.

This course is ideal for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms, students preparing for coding interviews, and developers looking to improve their problem-solving skills. It is also suitable for anyone aiming to practice and master common interview questions using platforms like LeetCode.

The course takes approximately 8 hours to complete, making it a concise yet comprehensive introduction that can be finished in a short period while still covering all essential concepts and practice problems.

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.

If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

This course is currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,