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This textbook explains the concepts and techniques required to write programs that can handle large amounts of data efficiently. Project-oriented and classroom-tested, the book presents a number of important algorithms—supported by motivating examples—that bring meaning to the problems faced by computer programmers. The idea of computational complexity is introduced, demonstrating what can and cannot be computed efficiently at scale, helping programmers make informed judgements about the algorithms they use. The easy-to-read text assumes some basic experience in computer programming and familiarity in an object-oriented language, but not necessarily with Python.Topics and features:Includes introductory and advanced data structures and algorithms topics, with suggested chapter sequences for those respective coursesProvides learning goals, review questions, and programming exercises in each chapter, as well as numerous examplesPresents a primer on Python for those coming from a different language backgroundAdds a new chapter on multiprocessing with Python using the DragonHPC multinode implementation of multiprocessing (includes a tutorial)Reviews the use of hashing in sets and maps, and examines binary search trees, tree traversals, and select graph algorithmsOffers downloadable programs and supplementary files at an associated website to help studentsStudents of computer science will find this clear and concise textbook invaluable for undergraduate courses on data structures and algorithms, at both introductory and advanced levels. The book is also suitable as a refresher guide for computer programmers starting new jobs working with Python.Dr. Kent D. Lee is a Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, USA. He is the author of the successful Springer books, Python Programming Fundamentals, and Foundations of Programming Languages.Dr. Steve Hubbard is a Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Computer Science at Luther College.

This textbook explains the concepts and techniques required to write programs that can handle large amounts of data efficiently. Project-oriented and classroom-tested, the book presents a number of important algorithms supported by examples that bring meaning to the problems faced by computer programmers. The idea of computational complexity is also introduced, demonstrating what can and cannot be computed efficiently so that the programmer can make informed judgements about the algorithms they use. Features: includes both introductory and advanced data structures and algorithms topics, with suggested chapter sequences for those respective courses provided in the preface; provides learning goals, review questions and programming exercises in each chapter, as well as numerous illustrative examples; offers downloadable programs and supplementary files at an associated website, with instructor materials available from the author; presents a primer on Python for those from a different language background.

This easy-to-follow and classroom-tested textbook guides the reader through the fundamentals of programming with Python, an accessible language which can be learned incrementally. Features: incudes numerous examples and practice exercises throughout the text, with additional exercises, solutions and review questions at the end of each chapter; highlights the patterns which frequently appear when writing programs, reinforcing the application of these patterns for problem-solving through practice exercises; introduces the use of a debugger tool to inspect a program, enabling students to discover for themselves how programs work and enhance their understanding; presents the Tkinter framework for building graphical user interface applications and event-driven programs; provides instructional videos and additional information for students, as well as support materials for instructors, at an associated website.