Computer data structures

the long version

Computer programming is an art, and as with any art, can only be learned through experience. The primary thrust of this text is to 'lead' readers to actually implement the data structures described, to program various procedures that can use them. Programs to manipulate data structures are seldom stand alone programs, one routine in a system of processes. The exercises in this text break these processes down into small parts, that can be used in subsequent exercises to build larger programs. This text is designed to develop the practical use of data structures, as well as the theory that undergirds them. For classrooms, this is an introductory text. Practices instructors can devise a laboratory course by assigning modules as 'experiments' with increasing levels of difficulty.