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Computer Science Class Notes

The document provides an introduction to computer science, focusing on algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and computational thinking. Key concepts include efficiency, complexity, and software engineering, with further exploration suggested in areas like operating systems, databases, networking, and artificial intelligence. It emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and the structured approach to algorithm design.

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4 views

Computer Science Class Notes

The document provides an introduction to computer science, focusing on algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and computational thinking. Key concepts include efficiency, complexity, and software engineering, with further exploration suggested in areas like operating systems, databases, networking, and artificial intelligence. It emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and the structured approach to algorithm design.

Uploaded by

salihsami79
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Science Class Notes - Intro to

Algorithms

What is Computer Science? CS is the study of computation and algorithmic


processes, including their principles, their design, their application, and their
implementation. It's about problem-solving using computational thinking.

Algorithms: A set of well-defined instructions for solving a problem or


performing a task. Key characteristics:

 Input: Data provided to the algorithm.


 Output: Result produced by the algorithm.
 Definiteness: Each step is clear and unambiguous.
 Finiteness: Algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps.
 Effectiveness: Each step must be basic and executable.

Data Structures: Ways of organizing and storing data to facilitate efficient access
and modification. Examples include arrays, linked lists, trees, and graphs.
Choosing the right data structure is crucial for algorithm performance.

Programming Languages: Tools for expressing algorithms in a way that can be


understood by a computer. Examples include Python, Java, C++, JavaScript.
Different languages are suited for different tasks.

Computational Thinking: A problem-solving approach that involves:

 Decomposition: Breaking down complex problems into smaller,


manageable parts.
 Pattern Recognition: Identifying recurring patterns and similarities.
 Abstraction: Focusing on essential details while ignoring irrelevant
information.
 Algorithm Design: Developing step-by-step instructions for solving the
problem.

Key Concepts:
 Efficiency: How well an algorithm uses resources (time and memory). Big
O notation describes how runtime/memory usage grows with input size.
 Complexity: A measure of the resources required by an algorithm.
 Software Engineering: Applying engineering principles to the design and
development of software systems.

Further Exploration:

 Operating Systems: Software that manages computer hardware and


software resources.
 Databases: Organized collections of data.
 Networking: Connecting computers to share information.
 Artificial Intelligence: Creating intelligent systems that can perform tasks
that typically require human intelligence.

This is a brief overview. Each of these topics can be explored in much greater
depth.

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