Data Structures
Master the building blocks of computer science — understand how data is stored, accessed, and organized through every major data structure, from arrays to graphs.
10–12 weeks
15.2k students
4.9 rating
Progress0/55 lessons
Key Topics You'll Master
1
Foundations of Data Structures2
Arrays and Memory Representation3
Linked Lists4
Stacks and Queues5
Hash Tables and Dictionaries6
Trees7
Heaps and Priority Structures8
Graphs9
Advanced and Specialized Structures10
Case Studies and Real-World ApplicationsLearning Outcomes
- Understand internal memory representation of core data structures
- Know which data structure to use for specific real-world problems
- Visualize how data is stored, linked, and traversed
- Evaluate time and space trade-offs
- Implement efficient storage and retrieval mechanisms conceptually
- Build a strong base for learning algorithms later
Prerequisites
- Basic programming knowledge (any language)
- Understanding of variables, loops, and functions
- Logical and mathematical reasoning skills
1
Foundations of Data StructuresWhat data structures are, how memory works, and why they matter.
What is a Data Structure?
video • 15 min
Static vs Dynamic Data Structures
video • 20 min
Memory Layout: Stack, Heap, Pointers
video • 25 min
Abstract Data Types (ADT) vs Data Structures
article • 15 min
Practice: Identify Data Structures in Real Systems
exercise • 40 min
2
Arrays and Memory RepresentationUnderstanding sequential storage and index-based access.
Array Basics and Fixed Memory Allocation
video • 25 min
Indexing, Contiguity, and Cache Locality
video • 20 min
Multidimensional Arrays and Memory Mapping
video • 22 min
Dynamic Arrays and Resizing Conceptually
article • 15 min
Use Cases: Images, Tables, and Buffers
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Array Indexing
exercise • 45 min
3
Linked ListsNon-contiguous storage and node-based structures.
Nodes, Links, and Memory References
video • 25 min
Singly vs Doubly Linked Lists
video • 25 min
Circular Lists and Sentinel Nodes
video • 22 min
Advantages and Drawbacks vs Arrays
article • 15 min
Use Cases: Undo Feature, Music Playlists, Hash Chains
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Pointer Traversal
exercise • 50 min
4
Stacks and QueuesOrdered data control for last-in-first-out (LIFO) and first-in-first-out (FIFO) behaviors.
Stack Concept and Push/Pop Operations
video • 20 min
Queue Concept and Enqueue/Dequeue
video • 20 min
Circular Queues and Deques
video • 22 min
Practical Applications (Call Stack, Job Scheduling)
article • 15 min
Visualization: Simulate Stack and Queue Operations
exercise • 45 min
5
Hash Tables and DictionariesFast access through hashing and key-value mapping.
Concept of Hashing and Hash Functions
video • 25 min
Collision Handling (Chaining, Open Addressing)
video • 25 min
Load Factor and Rehashing
video • 20 min
Advantages, Limitations, and Use Cases
article • 15 min
Real-World Uses: Caches, Maps, Sets
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Hash Distribution
exercise • 45 min
6
TreesHierarchical structures that organize data in parent–child relationships.
Tree Terminology (Root, Leaf, Height, Degree)
video • 22 min
Binary Trees and Traversal Orders
video • 25 min
General Trees and N-ary Trees
video • 22 min
Balanced Trees Concept (Height Balancing)
article • 15 min
Applications: File Systems, DOM, Organization Charts
article • 15 min
Visualization: Tree Traversal Paths
exercise • 60 min
7
Heaps and Priority StructuresSpecialized trees that maintain priority ordering.
Heap Properties and Hierarchical Structure
video • 25 min
Min-Heaps vs Max-Heaps
video • 20 min
Heap Representation Using Arrays
video • 20 min
Applications: Scheduling, Leaderboards, Caching
article • 15 min
Visualization Exercise: Heap Tree Construction
exercise • 50 min
8
GraphsNetworks of nodes and edges — the most powerful structure for modeling relationships.
Graph Basics: Vertices, Edges, and Adjacency
video • 25 min
Graph Representations: Matrix and List
video • 25 min
Directed vs Undirected, Weighted vs Unweighted
video • 25 min
Real-World Applications: Maps, Social Networks, Dependencies
article • 15 min
Visualization: Draw and Analyze Graphs
exercise • 60 min
9
Advanced and Specialized StructuresData structures built for high performance and domain-specific needs.
Tries (Prefix Trees) and Their Use Cases
video • 25 min
Disjoint Set (Union-Find) Concept
video • 25 min
Sparse Tables and Segment Trees Overview
video • 22 min
Bloom Filters and Bitmaps
article • 15 min
Practical Applications Across Domains
article • 12 min
Visualization Exercise: Tries and Sets
exercise • 55 min
10
Case Studies and Real-World ApplicationsHow real systems leverage these structures.
Databases and Indexing (B-Trees, Hash Maps)
video • 25 min
Operating Systems: Queues, Linked Lists, Trees
video • 20 min
Web Browsers, Compilers, and File Systems
article • 15 min
Designing Data Models in Real Products
article • 15 min
Capstone: Visualize a Real System’s Data Flow
exercise • 90 min