Question

what is best way to learn data structures?

Answer 1

in java?

Answer 2

i say the best way to learn is by doing. the best way to become a programer is to screw up a lot so that you get good at debugging and along the way you will learn every thing that you need and will have mastered the hardest part of programing.

Answer 3

It depends on your level of experience. If you're trying to learn about data structures with little formal programming background, you might investigate a textbook on the subject that teaches data structures through the use of a specific language. I am not personally familiar with these books, but it looks like there is a breadth to choose from for free here: http://www.freetechbooks.com/algorithms-and-data-structures-f11.html

You might also find it enjoyable to take a class on the subject. Most colleges with a computer science curriculum offer something appropriate at the 200 level. Perhaps a community college would provide an inexpensive way to explore the topic.

If you're already more familiar with basic programming topics, I'd start with the list that wikipedia has at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_data_structures

Each of the top level headings in this article represent a general type of data structure. The "Abstract Data Types" list sums up what many people probably envision when they are thinking of data types. As Rockstarguy141 noted, doing is a good way to develop an understanding of a subject. The best way to get a handle on data structures is by putting them to use yourself.

This can take a couple of forms. My initial exposure to data structures consisted of using other implementations of them. In Java, you would commonly be looking at various implementations of List or Set or Map, like ArrayList or HashMap. Reading about how these work in the language API can familiarize you with their functions, but googling something like "when should I use a _____?" is a pretty good way to explore each of the types individually.

The second hands-on way to learn about abstract data types is to implement them yourself. Once again, Wikipedia has a number of very thorough articles on specific subjects like Linked List, Binary Search Trees, Hash Tables, and so on. Short of a textbook or classroom, wikipedia is the most consolidated place I can think of to find this information.

A little information about what your are trying to learn and for what purpose might help address the question more specifically.

Answer 4

books.
refer 'data structures by lipschutz'

Answer 5

Best way to learn would be practice them as you learn about them. This book is an excellent source for this. http://www.amazon.com/Java-Collections-Introduction-Structures-Algorithms/dp/047189978X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309621270&sr=8-1