Module 2: Data Structures
Lists, Tuples, Sets, and Dictionaries
This module covers Python’s built-in data structures, which are essential tools for organizing and manipulating collections of data. You’ll learn how to choose the right structure for each task and understand the tradeoffs between them.
From Simple Lists to Complex Dictionaries
Data structures are the foundation of efficient programming. Each structure has unique properties that make it suitable for specific tasks. In this module, you’ll progress from simple lists to more sophisticated structures like dictionaries and sets.
The core skill here is not just using these structures, but understanding when to use each one. A list is perfect for ordered collections, a set for unique elements, and a dictionary for key-value mappings.
Core Topics
Begin with lists and tuples, the most fundamental sequence types.
Learn about sets and their unique properties.
Master dictionaries for key-value data storage.
Understand how to work with iterables efficiently.
Explore the important concept of mutability.
Practical Assignments
Apply your knowledge to real-world problems:
Recommendation System Traveling Salesman Problem Parrondo’s Paradox Sudoku Solver
Learning Goals
- Create and manipulate lists and tuples
- Understand the differences between mutable and immutable types
- Use sets for membership testing and removing duplicates
- Build and query dictionaries for key-value storage
- Choose the appropriate data structure for each problem
- Iterate efficiently over different data structures
- Understand shallow vs. deep copying
- Apply data structures to solve algorithmic problems
Flow of This Module
- Start with lists: indexing, slicing, and list methods
- Learn about tuples as immutable sequences
- Explore sets for unique collections and set operations
- Master dictionaries for associative arrays
- Understand iteration patterns across all structures
- Grasp the critical concept of mutability and its implications
What You Will Build
Throughout this module, you will:
- Implement algorithms using appropriate data structures
- Build a recommendation system using dictionaries
- Solve the traveling salesman problem with lists
- Explore Parrondo’s paradox through simulation
- Create a Sudoku solver using nested structures
Practice and Review
The module includes extensive practice opportunities:
- Reviews:
- Additional Practice: Random Homework
How to Use This Material
- Work through data structure types systematically
- Pay special attention to when structures are mutable vs. immutable
- Try all the practical assignments to see structures in action
- Compare different approaches to the same problem
- Use the review sessions to test your understanding
What’s Next?
After mastering data structures, you’ll move to Module 3 to learn NumPy, Python’s powerful numerical computing library.