Data structures and abstract data types common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Describing a data structure as a programming language

  Saying that a data structure is a language such as Python or Java.

  Fix itExplain that a data structure is an organisation of data used within a program; a programming language is used to write the program.

• Confusing dimensions with the number of elements

  Describing an array with 20 values as a 20-dimensional array.

  Fix itThe number of dimensions is the number of indices needed to identify one element. A one-dimensional array can contain 20 values; a two-dimensional array can contain many rows and columns.

• Using text mode for binary data

  Opening a binary file with r or w and treating its contents as ordinary text.

  Fix itUse binary modes such as rb for reading and wb for writing, and handle the data as bytes.

• Confusing a stack with a queue

  Describing a stack as first-in, first-out or a queue as last-in, first-out.

  Fix itRemember that a stack is LIFO and a queue is FIFO. Relate the rule to the end from which items are removed.