Solving problems with a computer  

  • What enables a computer to solve problems:

    • Computer can store data (= information)

    • Computer can process data rapidly

  • What will you learn in this course:

    1. Some commonly used data structures to store data:

      • Dynamic array
      • Associative array
      • Set

    2. Some commonly used algorithms to process data:

      • The Brute Force Search algorithm
      • The Backtracking algorithm

  Competative Programming  

  • What is Competative Programming:

    • a mind sport where participants write computer programs to solve problems under specific constraints, usually within a time limit.

  • Many of the problems in Programming Competitions can be solved using:

    • Dynamic Array, Associative Array and/or Set as their data structure

    • Brute Force Search or Backtracking as their algorithm

  • How will this course help you with Competative Programming:

    • We will use many examples in Programming Competitions to illustrate the data structures and algorithms studied in this course