Python Data Structure - Quick Guide

7/11/22, 6:14 PM Python Data Structure - Quick Guide
Python Data Structure - Quick Guide
Python - DS Introduction
Here, we will understand what is data structure with regards to Python programming language.
Data Structure Overview

Data structures are fundamental concepts of computer science which helps is writing efficient
programs in any language. Python is a high-level, interpreted, interactive and object-oriented
scripting language using which we can study the fundamentals of data structure in a simpler way as
compared to other programming languages.
In this chapter we are going to study a short overview of some frequently used data structures in
general and how they are related to some specific python data types. There are also some data
structures specific to python which is listed as another category.
General Data Structures

The various data structures in computer science are divided broadly into two categories shown
below. We will discuss about each of the below data structures in detail in subsequent chapters.
Liner Data Structures

These are the data structures which store the data elements in a sequential manner.
Array − It is a sequential arrangement of data elements paired with the index of the data
element.
Linked List − Each data element contains a link to another element along with the data present
in it.
Stack − It is a data structure which follows only to specific order of operation. LIFO(last in First
Out) or FILO(First in Last Out).
Queue − It is similar to Stack but the order of operation is only FIFO(First In First Out).
Matrix − It is two dimensional data structure in which the data element is referred by a pair of
indices.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python_data_structure/python_data_structure_quick_guide.htm 1/94
Non-Liner Data Structures

These are the data structures in which there is no sequential linking of data elements. Any pair or
group of data elements can be linked to each other and can be accessed without a strict sequence.
Binary Tree − It is a data structure where each data element can be connected to maximum
two other data elements and it starts with a root node.
Heap − It is a special case of Tree data structure where the data in the parent node is either
strictly greater than/ equal to the child nodes or strictly less than it’s child nodes.
Hash Table − It is a data structure which is made of arrays associated with each other using a
hash function. It retrieves values using keys rather than index from a data element.
Graph − It is an arrangement of vertices and nodes where some of the nodes are connected to
each other through links.
Python Specific Data Structures

These data structures are specific to python language and they give greater flexibility in storing
different types of data and faster processing in python environment.
List − It is similar to array with the exception that the data elements can be of different data
types. You can have both numeric and string data in a python list.
Tuple − Tuples are similar to lists but they are immutable which means the values in a tuple
cannot be modified they can only be read.
Dictionary − The dictionary contains Key-value pairs as its data elements.
In the next chapters we are going to learn the details of how each of these data structures can be
implemented using Python.
Python - DS Environment
Python is available on a wide variety of platforms including Linux and Mac OS X. Let's understand
how to set up our Python environment.
AD
Local Environment Setup
Open a terminal window and type "python" to find out if it is already installed and which version is
installed.
Unix (Solaris, Linux, FreeBSD, AIX, HP/UX, SunOS, IRIX, etc.)

Win 9x/NT/2000
Macintosh (Intel, PPC, 68K)
OS/2
DOS (multiple versions)
PalmOS
Nokia mobile phones
Windows CE
Acorn/RISC OS
BeOS
Amiga
VMS/OpenVMS
QNX
VxWorks
Psion
Python has also been ported to the Java and .NET virtual machines
Getting Python
The most up-to-date and current source code, binaries, documentation, news, etc., is available on
the official website of Python www.python.org
You can download Python documentation from this website given herewith,www.python.org/doc .
The documentation is available in HTML, PDF, and PostScript formats.
Installing Python
Python distribution is available for a wide variety of platforms. You need to download only the binary
code applicable for your platform and install Python.
If the binary code for your platform is not available, you need a C compiler to compile the source
code manually. Compiling the source code offers more flexibility in terms of choice of features that
you require in your installation.
Here is a quick overview of installing Python on various platforms −
Unix and Linux Installation

Here are the simple steps to install Python on Unix/Linux machine.
Open a Web browser and go to www.python.org/downloads .
Follow the link to download zipped source code available for Unix/Linux.
Download and extract files.
Editing the Modules/Setup file if you want to customize some options.
run ./configure script
make
make install
This installs Python at standard location /usr/local/bin and its libraries at /usr/local/lib/pythonXX
where XX is the version of Python.
Windows Installation
Here are the steps to install Python on Windows machine.
Open a Web browser and go to www.python.org/downloads .
Follow the link for the Windows installer python-XYZ.msi file where XYZ is the version you
need to install.
To use this installer python-XYZ.msi, the Windows system must support Microsoft Installer 2.0.
Save the installer file to your local machine and then run it to find out if your machine supports
MSI.
Run the downloaded file. This brings up the Python install wizard, which is really easy to use.
Just accept the default settings, wait until the install is finished, and you are done.
Macintosh Installation
Recent Macs come with Python installed, but it may be several years out of date. See
www.python.org/download/mac/ for instructions on getting the current version along with extra
tools to support development on the Mac. For older Mac OS's before Mac OS X 10.3 (released in
2003), MacPython is available.
Jack Jansen maintains it and you can have full access to the entire documentation at his website −
http://www.cwi.nl/~jack/macpython.html . You can find complete installation details for Mac OS
installation.
Setting up PATH
Programs and other executable files can be in many directories, so operating systems provide a
search path that lists the directories that the OS searches for executables.
The path is stored in an environment variable, which is a named string maintained by the operating
system. This variable contains information available to the command shell and other programs.
The path variable is named as PATH in Unix or Path in Windows (Unix is case sensitive; Windows is
not).
In Mac OS, the installer handles the path details. To invoke the Python interpreter from any particular
directory, you must add the Python directory to your path.
Setting path at Unix/Linux

To add the Python directory to the path for a particular session in Unix −
In the csh shell − type setenv PATH "$PATH:/usr/local/bin/python" and press Enter.
In the bash shell (Linux) − type export ATH="$PATH:/usr/local/bin/python" and press Enter.
In the sh or ksh shell − type PATH="$PATH:/usr/local/bin/python" and press Enter.
Note − /usr/local/bin/python is the path of the Python directory
Setting path at Windows

To add the Python directory to the path for a particular session in Windows −
At the command prompt − type path %path%;C:\Python and press Enter.
Note − C:\Python is the path of the Python directory
Python Environment Variables

Here are important environment variables, which can be recognized by Python −
Sr.No. Variable & Description
1
PYTHONPATH
It has a role similar to PATH. This variable tells the Python interpreter where to locate the
module files imported into a program. It should include the Python source library directory
and the directories containing Python source code. PYTHONPATH is sometimes preset
by the Python installer.
2
PYTHONSTARTUP
It contains the path of an initialization file containing Python source code. It is executed
every time you start the interpreter. It is named as .pythonrc.py in Unix and it contains
commands that load utilities or modify PYTHONPATH.
3
PYTHONCASEOK
It is used in Windows to instruct Python to find the first case-insensitive match in an

import statement. Set this variable to any value to activate it.
4
PYTHONHOME
It is an alternative module search path. It is usually embedded in the PYTHONSTARTUP

or PYTHONPATH directories to make switching module libraries easy.
Running Python
There are three different ways to start Python, which are as follows −
Interactive Interpreter
You can start Python from Unix, DOS, or any other system that provides you a command-line
interpreter or shell window.
Enter python the command line.
Start coding right away in the interactive interpreter.
$python # Unix/Linux
or
python% # Unix/Linux
or
C:> python # Windows/DOS
Here is the list of all the available command line options, which is as mentioned below −
Sr.No. Option & Description
1
-d
It provides debug output.
2
-O
It generates optimized bytecode (resulting in .pyo files).
3
-S
Do not run import site to look for Python paths on startup.
4
-v
verbose output (detailed trace on import statements).
5
-X
disable class-based built-in exceptions (just use strings); obsolete starting with version
1.6.
6
-c cmd
run Python script sent in as cmd string
7
file
run Python script from given file
Script from the Command-line

A Python script can be executed at command line by invoking the interpreter on your application, as
in the following −
$python script.py # Unix/Linux
or
python% script.py # Unix/Linux
or
C: >python script.py # Windows/DOS
Note − Be sure the file permission mode allows execution.
Integrated Development Environment(IDE)

You can run Python from a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment as well, if you have a GUI
application on your system that supports Python.
Unix − IDLE is the very first Unix IDE for Python.
Windows − PythonWin is the first Windows interface for Python and is an IDE with a GUI.
Macintosh − The Macintosh version of Python along with the IDLE IDE is available from the
main website, downloadable as either MacBinary or BinHex'd files.
If you are not able to set up the environment properly, then you can take help from your system
admin. Make sure the Python environment is properly set up and working perfectly fine.
Note − All the examples given in subsequent chapters are executed with Python 2.4.3 version
available on CentOS flavor of Linux.
We already have set up Python Programming environment online, so that you can execute all the
available examples online at the same time when you are learning theory. Feel free to modify any
example and execute it online.
Python - Arrays
Array is a container which can hold a fix number of items and these items should be of the same
type. Most of the data structures make use of arrays to implement their algorithms. Following are the
important terms to understand the concept of Array are as follows −
Element − Each item stored in an array is called an element.
Index − Each location of an element in an array has a numerical index, which is used to identify
the element.
Array Representation
Arrays can be declared in various ways in different languages. Below is an illustration.
As per the above illustration, following are the important points to be considered −
Index starts with 0.

Array length is 10, which means it can store 10 elements.
Each element can be accessed via its index. For example, we can fetch an element at index 6
as 9.
Basic Operations
The basic operations supported by an array are as stated below −
Traverse − print all the array elements one by one.
Insertion − Adds an element at the given index.
Deletion − Deletes an element at the given index.
Search − Searches an element using the given index or by the value.
Update − Updates an element at the given index.
Array is created in Python by importing array module to the python program. Then, the array is
declared as shown below −
from array import *
arrayName = array(typecode, [Initializers])
Typecode are the codes that are used to define the type of value the array will hold. Some common
typecodes used are as follows −
Typecode Value
b Represents signed integer of size 1 byte
B Represents unsigned integer of size 1 byte
c Represents character of size 1 byte
i Represents signed integer of size 2 bytes
I Represents unsigned integer of size 2 bytes
f Represents floating point of size 4 bytes
d Represents floating point of size 8 bytes
Before looking at various array operations lets create and print an array using python.
Example
The below code creates an array named array1.
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
for x in array1:
print(x)
Output
When we compile and execute the above program, it produces the following result −
10
20
30
40
50
Accessing Array Element
We can access each element of an array using the index of the element. The below code shows how
to access an array element.
Example
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
print (array1[0])
print (array1[2])
Output
When we compile and execute the above program, it produces the following result, which shows the
element is inserted at index position 1.
10
30
Insertion Operation
Insert operation is to insert one or more data elements into an array. Based on the requirement, a
new element can be added at the beginning, end, or any given index of array.
Example
Here, we add a data element at the middle of the array using the python in-built insert() method.
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
array1.insert(1,60)
for x in array1:
print(x)
When we compile and execute the above program, it produces the following result which shows the
element is inserted at index position 1.
Output
10
60
20
30
40
50
Deletion Operation
Deletion refers to removing an existing element from the array and re-organizing all elements of an
array.
Example
Here, we remove a data element at the middle of the array using the python in-built remove()
method.
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
array1.remove(40)
for x in array1:
print(x)
Output
element is removed form the array.
10
20
30
50
Search Operation
You can perform a search for an array element based on its value or its index.
Example
Here, we search a data element using the python in-built index() method.
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
print (array1.index(40))
Output
index of the element. If the value is not present in the array then th eprogram returns an error.
Update Operation
Update operation refers to updating an existing element from the array at a given index.
Example
Here, we simply reassign a new value to the desired index we want to update.
from array import *
array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])
array1[2] = 80
for x in array1:
print(x)
Output
new value at the index position 2.
10
20
80
40
50
Python - Lists
The list is a most versatile datatype available in Python which can be written as a list of comma-
separated values (items) between square brackets. Important thing about a list is that items in a list
need not be of the same type.
Creating a list is as simple as putting different comma-separated values between square brackets.
For example
list1 = ['physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000]
list2 = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ]
list3 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"]
Similar to string indices, list indices start at 0, and lists can be sliced, concatenated and so on.
Accessing Values
To access values in lists, use the square brackets for slicing along with the index or indices to obtain
value available at that index.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
list2 = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ]
print "list1[0]: ", list1[0]
print "list2[1:5]: ", list2[1:5]
When the above code is executed, it produces the following result −
list1[0]: physics
list2[1:5]: [2, 3, 4, 5]
Updating Lists
You can update single or multiple elements of lists by giving the slice on the left-hand side of the
assignment operator, and you can add to elements in a list with the append() method.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
list = ['physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000]
print "Value available at index 2 : "
print list[2]
list[2] = 2001
print "New value available at index 2 : "
print list[2]
Note − append() method is discussed in subsequent section.
Value available at index 2 :
1997
New value available at index 2 :
2001
Delete List Elements

To remove a list element, you can use either the del statement if you know exactly which element(s)
you are deleting or the remove() method if you do not know.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
print list1
del list1[2]
print "After deleting value at index 2 : "
print list1
When the above code is executed, it produces following result −
['physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000]
After deleting value at index 2 :
['physics', 'chemistry', 2000]
Note − remove() method is discussed in subsequent section.
Basic List Operations

Lists respond to the + and * operators much like strings; they mean concatenation and repetition
here too, except that the result is a new list, not a string.
In fact, lists respond to all of the general sequence operations we used on strings in the prior
chapter.
Python Expression Results Description
len([1, 2, 3]) 3 Length
[1, 2, 3] + [4, 5, 6] [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] Concatenation
['Hi!'] * 4 ['Hi!', 'Hi!', 'Hi!', 'Hi!'] Repetition
3 in [1, 2, 3] True Membership
for x in [1, 2, 3]: print x, 123 Iteration
Python - Tuples
A tuple is a sequence of immutable Python objects. Tuples are sequences, just like lists. The
differences between tuples and lists are, the tuples cannot be changed unlike lists and tuples use
parentheses, whereas lists use square brackets.
Creating a tuple is as simple as putting different comma-separated values. Optionally you can put
these comma-separated values between parentheses also.
For example
tup1 = ('physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000);
tup2 = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 );
tup3 = "a", "b", "c", "d";
The empty tuple is written as two parentheses containing nothing −
tup1 = ();
To write a tuple containing a single value you have to include a comma, even though there is only
one value −
tup1 = (50,);
Like string indices, tuple indices start at 0, and they can be sliced, concatenated, and so on.
Accessing Values in Tuples

To access values in tuple, use the square brackets for slicing along with the index or indices to
obtain value available at that index.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
tup1 = ('physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000);
tup2 = (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 );
print "tup1[0]: ", tup1[0];
print "tup2[1:5]: ", tup2[1:5];
tup1[0]: physics
tup2[1:5]: [2, 3, 4, 5]
Updating Tuples
Tuples are immutable which means you cannot update or change the values of tuple elements. You
are able to take portions of existing tuples to create new tuples as the following example
demonstrates −
#!/usr/bin/python
tup1 = (12, 34.56);
tup2 = ('abc', 'xyz');
# Following action is not valid for tuples
# tup1[0] = 100;
# So let's create a new tuple as follows
tup3 = tup1 + tup2;
print tup3;
(12, 34.56, 'abc', 'xyz')
Delete Tuple Elements

Removing individual tuple elements is not possible. There is, of course, nothing wrong with putting
together another tuple with the undesired elements discarded.
To explicitly remove an entire tuple, just use the del statement.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
tup = ('physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000);
print tup;
del tup;
print "After deleting tup : ";
print tup;
Note − an exception raised, this is because after del tup tuple does not exist anymore.
This produces the following result −
('physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000)
After deleting tup :
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "test.py", line 9, in <module>
print tup;
NameError: name 'tup' is not defined
Basic Tuples Operations

Tuples respond to the + and * operators much like strings; they mean concatenation and repetition
here too, except that the result is a new tuple, not a string.
In fact, tuples respond to all of the general sequence operations we used on strings in the prior
chapter.
Python Expression Results Description
len((1, 2, 3)) 3 Length
(1, 2, 3) + (4, 5, 6) (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Concatenation
('Hi!',) * 4 ('Hi!', 'Hi!', 'Hi!', 'Hi!') Repetition
3 in (1, 2, 3) True Membership
for x in (1, 2, 3): print x, 123 Iteration
Python - Dictionary
In Dictionary each key is separated from its value by a colon (:), the items are separated by
commas, and the whole thing is enclosed in curly braces. An empty dictionary without any items is
written with just two curly braces, like this − {}.
Keys are unique within a dictionary while values may not be. The values of a dictionary can be of
any type, but the keys must be of an immutable data type such as strings, numbers, or tuples.
Accessing Values in Dictionary

To access dictionary elements, you can use the familiar square brackets along with the key to obtain
its value.
Example
A simple example is as follows −
#!/usr/bin/python
dict = {'Name': 'Zara', 'Age': 7, 'Class': 'First'}
print "dict['Name']: ", dict['Name']

print "dict['Age']: ", dict['Age']
Output
dict['Name']: Zara
dict['Age']: 7
If we attempt to access a data item with a key, which is not part of the dictionary, we get an error as
follows −
Example
#!/usr/bin/python
print "dict['Alice']: ", dict['Alice']
Output
dict['Alice']:
print "dict['Alice']: ", dict['Alice'];
KeyError: 'Alice'
Updating Dictionary
You can update a dictionary by adding a new entry or a key-value pair, modifying an existing entry,
or deleting an existing entry as shown below in the simple example −
Example
#!/usr/bin/python
dict['Age'] = 8; # update existing entry
dict['School'] = "DPS School"; # Add new entry
print "dict['School']: ", dict['School']
Output
dict['Age']: 8
dict['School']: DPS School
Delete Dictionary Elements

You can either remove individual dictionary elements or clear the entire contents of a dictionary. You
can also delete entire dictionary in a single operation.
Example
To explicitly remove an entire dictionary, just use the del statement. A simple example is as
mentioned below −
#!/usr/bin/python
del dict['Name']; # remove entry with key 'Name'
dict.clear(); # remove all entries in dict
del dict ; # delete entire dictionary
Note −that an exception is raised because after del dict dictionary does not exist any more −
Output
This produces the following result −
dict['Age']:
print "dict['Age']: ", dict['Age'];
TypeError: 'type' object is unsubscriptable
Note − del() method is discussed in subsequent section.
Properties of Dictionary Keys

Dictionary values have no restrictions. They can be any arbitrary Python object, either standard
objects or user-defined objects. However, same is not true for the keys.
There are two important points to remember about dictionary keys −
More than one entry per key not allowed. Which means no duplicate key is allowed. When
duplicate keys encountered during assignment, the last assignment wins.
For example
#!/usr/bin/python
dict = {'Name': 'Zara', 'Age': 7, 'Name': 'Manni'}
Output
dict['Name']: Manni
Keys must be immutable. Which means you can use strings, numbers or tuples as dictionary keys
but something like ['key'] is not allowed.
Example
An example is as follows −
#!/usr/bin/python
dict = {['Name']: 'Zara', 'Age': 7}
Output
dict = {['Name']: 'Zara', 'Age': 7};
TypeError: list objects are unhashable
Python - 2-D Array

Two dimensional array is an array within an array. It is an array of arrays. In this type of array the
position of an data element is referred by two indices instead of one. So it represents a table with
rows an dcolumns of data.
In the below example of a two dimensional array, observer that each array element itself is also an
array.
Consider the example of recording temperatures 4 times a day, every day. Some times the recording
instrument may be faulty and we fail to record data. Such data for 4 days can be presented as a two
dimensional array as below.
Day 1 - 11 12 5 2
Day 2 - 15 6 10
Day 3 - 10 8 12 5
Day 4 - 12 15 8 6
The above data can be represented as a two dimensional array as below.
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
Accessing Values
The data elements in two dimesnional arrays can be accessed using two indices. One index
referring to the main or parent array and another index referring to the position of the data element in
the inner array.If we mention only one index then the entire inner array is printed for that index
position.
Example
The example below illustrates how it works.
from array import *
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
print(T[0])
print(T[1][2])
Output
[11, 12, 5, 2]
10
To print out the entire two dimensional array we can use python for loop as shown below. We use
end of line to print out the values in different rows.
Example
from array import *
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
for r in T:
for c in r:
print(c,end = " ")
print()
Output
11 12 5 2
15 6 10
10 8 12 5
12 15 8 6
Inserting Values
We can insert new data elements at specific position by using the insert() method and specifying the
index.
Example
In the below example a new data element is inserted at index position 2.
from array import *
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
T.insert(2, [0,5,11,13,6])
for r in T:
for c in r:
print(c,end = " ")
print()
Output
11 12 5 2
15 6 10
0 5 11 13 6
10 8 12 5
12 15 8 6
Updating Values
We can update the entire inner array or some specific data elements of the inner array by
reassigning the values using the array index.
Example
from array import *
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
T[2] = [11,9]
T[0][3] = 7
for r in T:
for c in r:
print(c,end = " ")
print()
Output
11 12 5 7
15 6 10
11 9
12 15 8 6
Deleting the Values

We can delete the entire inner array or some specific data elements of the inner array by reassigning
the values using the del() method with index. But in case you need to remove specific data elements
in one of the inner arrays, then use the update process described above.
Example
from array import *
T = [[11, 12, 5, 2], [15, 6,10], [10, 8, 12, 5], [12,15,8,6]]
del T[3]
for r in T:
for c in r:
print(c,end = " ")
print()
Output
11 12 5 2
15 6 10
10 8 12 5
Python - Matrix
Matrix is a special case of two dimensional array where each data element is of strictly same size.
So every matrix is also a two dimensional array but not vice versa.
Matrices are very important data structures for many mathematical and scientific calculations. As we
have already discussed two dimnsional array data structure in the previous chapter we will be
focusing on data structure operations specific to matrices in this chapter.
We also be using the numpy package for matrix data manipulation.
Matrix Example
Consider the case of recording temprature for 1 week measured in the morning, mid-day, evening
and mid-night. It can be presented as a 7X5 matrix using an array and the reshape method available
in numpy.
from numpy import *
a = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m = reshape(a,(7,5))
print(m)
Output
The above data can be represented as a two dimensional array as below −
['Mon' '18' '20' '22' '17']
['Tue' '11' '18' '21' '18']
['Wed' '15' '21' '20' '19']
['Thu' '11' '20' '22' '21']
['Fri' '18' '17' '23' '22']
['Sat' '12' '22' '20' '18']
['Sun' '13' '15' '19' '16']
Accessing Values
The data elements in a matrix can be accessed by using the indexes. The access method is same
as the way data is accessed in Two dimensional array.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
# Print data for Wednesday
print(m[2])
# Print data for friday evening
print(m[4][3])
Output
['Wed', 15, 21, 20, 19]
23
Adding a row
Use the below mentioned code to add a row in a matrix.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m_r = append(m,[['Avg',12,15,13,11]],0)
print(m_r)
Output
['Mon' '18' '20' '22' '17']
['Tue' '11' '18' '21' '18']
['Wed' '15' '21' '20' '19']
['Thu' '11' '20' '22' '21']
['Fri' '18' '17' '23' '22']
['Sat' '12' '22' '20' '18']
['Sun' '13' '15' '19' '16']
['Avg' '12' '15' '13' '11']
Adding a column
We can add column to a matrix using the insert() method. here we have to mention the index where
we want to add the column and a array containing the new values of the columns added.In the below
example we add t a new column at the fifth position from the beginning.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m_c = insert(m,[5],[[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7]],1)
print(m_c)
Output
['Mon' '18' '20' '22' '17' '1']
['Tue' '11' '18' '21' '18' '2']
['Wed' '15' '21' '20' '19' '3']
['Thu' '11' '20' '22' '21' '4']
['Fri' '18' '17' '23' '22' '5']
['Sat' '12' '22' '20' '18' '6']
['Sun' '13' '15' '19' '16' '7']
Delete a row
We can delete a row from a matrix using the delete() method. We have to specify the index of the
row and also the axis value which is 0 for a row and 1 for a column.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m = delete(m,[2],0)
print(m)
Output
['Mon' '18' '20' '22' '17']
['Tue' '11' '18' '21' '18']
['Thu' '11' '20' '22' '21']
['Fri' '18' '17' '23' '22']
['Sat' '12' '22' '20' '18']
['Sun' '13' '15' '19' '16']
Delete a column
We can delete a column from a matrix using the delete() method. We have to specify the index of the
column and also the axis value which is 0 for a row and 1 for a column.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m = delete(m,s_[2],1)
print(m)
Output
['Mon' '18' '22' '17']
['Tue' '11' '21' '18']
['Wed' '15' '20' '19']
['Thu' '11' '22' '21']
['Fri' '18' '23' '22']
['Sat' '12' '20' '18']
['Sun' '13' '19' '16']
Update a row
To update the values in the row of a matrix we simply re-assign the values at the index of the row. In
the below example all the values for thrusday's data is marked as zero. The index for this row is 3.
Example
from numpy import *
m = array([['Mon',18,20,22,17],['Tue',11,18,21,18],
['Wed',15,21,20,19],['Thu',11,20,22,21],
['Fri',18,17,23,22],['Sat',12,22,20,18],
['Sun',13,15,19,16]])
m[3] = ['Thu',0,0,0,0]
print(m)
Output
['Mon' '18' '20' '22' '17']
['Tue' '11' '18' '21' '18']
['Wed' '15' '21' '20' '19']
['Thu' '0' '0' '0' '0']
['Fri' '18' '17' '23' '22']
['Sat' '12' '22' '20' '18']
['Sun' '13' '15' '19' '16']
Python - Sets
Mathematically a set is a collection of items not in any particular order. A Python set is similar to this
mathematical definition with below additional conditions.
The elements in the set cannot be duplicates.
The elements in the set are immutable(cannot be modified) but the set as a whole is mutable.
There is no index attached to any element in a python set. So they do not support any indexing
or slicing operation.
Set Operations
The sets in python are typically used for mathematical operations like union, intersection, difference
and complement etc. We can create a set, access it’s elements and carry out these mathematical
operations as shown below.
Creating a set
A set is created by using the set() function or placing all the elements within a pair of curly braces.
Example
Days=set(["Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat","Sun"])
Months={"Jan","Feb","Mar"}
Dates={21,22,17}
print(Days)
print(Months)
print(Dates)
Output
When the above code is executed, it produces the following result. Please note how the order of the
elements has changed in the result.
set(['Wed', 'Sun', 'Fri', 'Tue', 'Mon', 'Thu', 'Sat'])
set(['Jan', 'Mar', 'Feb'])
set([17, 21, 22])
Accessing Values in a Set

We cannot access individual values in a set. We can only access all the elements together as shown
above. But we can also get a list of individual elements by looping through the set.
Example
Days=set(["Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat","Sun"])
for d in Days:
print(d)
Output
Wed
Sun
Fri
Tue
Mon
Thu
Sat
Adding Items to a Set

We can add elements to a set by using add() method. Again as discussed there is no specific index
attached to the newly added element.
Example
Days=set(["Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat"])
Days.add("Sun")
print(Days)
Output
set(['Wed', 'Sun', 'Fri', 'Tue', 'Mon', 'Thu', 'Sat'])
Removing Item from a Set

We can remove elements from a set by using discard() method. Again as discussed there is no
specific index attached to the newly added element.
Example
Days=set(["Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat"])
Days.discard("Sun")
print(Days)
Output
When the above code is executed, it produces the following result.
set(['Wed', 'Fri', 'Tue', 'Mon', 'Thu', 'Sat'])
Union of Sets
The union operation on two sets produces a new set containing all the distinct elements from both
the sets. In the below example the element “Wed” is present in both the sets.
Example
DaysA = set(["Mon","Tue","Wed"])
DaysB = set(["Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat","Sun"])
AllDays = DaysA|DaysB
print(AllDays)
Output
When the above code is executed, it produces the following result. Please note the result has only
one “wed”.
set(['Wed', 'Fri', 'Tue', 'Mon', 'Thu', 'Sat'])
Intersection of Sets
The intersection operation on two sets produces a new set containing only the common elements
from both the sets. In the below example the element “Wed” is present in both the sets.
Example
AllDays = DaysA & DaysB
print(AllDays)
Output
one “wed”.
set(['Wed'])
Difference of Sets
The difference operation on two sets produces a new set containing only the elements from the first
set and none from the second set. In the below example the element “Wed” is present in both the
sets so it will not be found in the result set.
Example
AllDays = DaysA - DaysB
print(AllDays)
Output
one “wed”.
set(['Mon', 'Tue'])
Compare Sets
We can check if a given set is a subset or superset of another set. The result is True or False
depending on the elements present in the sets.
Example
DaysB = set(["Mon","Tue","Wed","Thu","Fri","Sat","Sun"])
SubsetRes = DaysA <= DaysB
SupersetRes = DaysB >= DaysA
print(SubsetRes)
print(SupersetRes)
Output
True
True
Python - Maps
Python Maps also called ChainMap is a type of data structure to manage multiple dictionaries
together as one unit. The combined dictionary contains the key and value pairs in a specific
sequence eliminating any duplicate keys. The best use of ChainMap is to search through multiple
dictionaries at a time and get the proper key-value pair mapping. We also see that these ChainMaps
behave as stack data structure.
Creating a ChainMap
We create two dictionaries and club them using the ChainMap method from the collections library.
Then we print the keys and values of the result of the combination of the dictionaries. If there are
duplicate keys, then only the value from the first key is preserved.
Example
import collections
dict1 = {'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}
dict2 = {'day3': 'Wed', 'day1': 'Thu'}
res = collections.ChainMap(dict1, dict2)
# Creating a single dictionary
print(res.maps,'\n')
print('Keys = {}'.format(list(res.keys())))
print('Values = {}'.format(list(res.values())))
print()
# Print all the elements from the result
print('elements:')
for key, val in res.items():
print('{} = {}'.format(key, val))
print()
# Find a specific value in the result
print('day3 in res: {}'.format(('day1' in res)))
print('day4 in res: {}'.format(('day4' in res)))
Output
[{'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}, {'day1': 'Thu', 'day3': 'Wed'}]
Keys = ['day1', 'day3', 'day2']
Values = ['Mon', 'Wed', 'Tue']
elements:
day1 = Mon
day3 = Wed
day2 = Tue
day3 in res: True
day4 in res: False
Map Reordering
If we change the order the dictionaries while clubbing them in the above example we see that the
position of the elements get interchanged as if they are in a continuous chain. This again shows the
behavior of Maps as stacks.
Example
import collections
res1 = collections.ChainMap(dict1, dict2)
print(res1.maps,'\n')
res2 = collections.ChainMap(dict2, dict1)
print(res2.maps,'\n')
Output
[{'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}, {'day3': 'Wed', 'day4': 'Thu'}]
[{'day3': 'Wed', 'day4': 'Thu'}, {'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}]
Updating Map
When the element of the dictionary is updated, the result is instantly updated in the result of the
ChainMap. In the below example we see that the new updated value reflects in the result without
explicitly applying the ChainMap method again.
Example
import collections
res = collections.ChainMap(dict1, dict2)
dict2['day4'] = 'Fri'
Output
[{'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}, {'day3': 'Wed', 'day4': 'Thu'}]
[{'day1': 'Mon', 'day2': 'Tue'}, {'day3': 'Wed', 'day4': 'Fri'}]
Python - Linked Lists

A linked list is a sequence of data elements, which are connected together via links. Each data
element contains a connection to another data element in form of a pointer. Python does not have
linked lists in its standard library. We implement the concept of linked lists using the concept of
nodes as discussed in the previous chapter.
We have already seen how we create a node class and how to traverse the elements of a node.In
this chapter we are going to study the types of linked lists known as singly linked lists. In this type of
data structure there is only one link between any two data elements. We create such a list and
create additional methods to insert, update and remove elements from the list.
Creation of Linked list

A linked list is created by using the node class we studied in the last chapter. We create a Node
object and create another class to use this ode object. We pass the appropriate values through the
node object to point the to the next data elements. The below program creates the linked list with
three data elements. In the next section we will see how to traverse the linked list.
class Node:
def __init__(self, dataval=None):
self.dataval = dataval
self.nextval = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.headval = None
list1 = SLinkedList()
list1.headval = Node("Mon")
e2 = Node("Tue")
e3 = Node("Wed")
# Link first Node to second node
list1.headval.nextval = e2
# Link second Node to third node
e2.nextval = e3
Traversing a Linked List

Singly linked lists can be traversed in only forward direction starting form the first data element. We
simply print the value of the next data element by assigning the pointer of the next node to the
current data element.
Example
class Node:
self.nextval = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.headval = None
def listprint(self):
printval = self.headval
while printval is not None:
print (printval.dataval)
printval = printval.nextval
list = SLinkedList()
list.headval = Node("Mon")
e2 = Node("Tue")
e3 = Node("Wed")
# Link first Node to second node
list.headval.nextval = e2
# Link second Node to third node
e2.nextval = e3
list.listprint()
Output
Mon
Tue
Wed
Insertion in a Linked List

Inserting element in the linked list involves reassigning the pointers from the existing nodes to the
newly inserted node. Depending on whether the new data element is getting inserted at the
beginning or at the middle or at the end of the linked list, we have the below scenarios.
Inserting at the Beginning

This involves pointing the next pointer of the new data node to the current head of the linked list. So
the current head of the linked list becomes the second data element and the new node becomes the
head of the linked list.
Example
class Node:
self.nextval = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.headval = None
# Print the linked list
def AtBegining(self,newdata):
NewNode = Node(newdata)
# Update the new nodes next val to existing node
NewNode.nextval = self.headval
self.headval = NewNode
e2 = Node("Tue")
e3 = Node("Wed")
e2.nextval = e3
list.AtBegining("Sun")
list.listprint()
Output
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Inserting at the End

This involves pointing the next pointer of the the current last node of the linked list to the new data
node. So the current last node of the linked list becomes the second last data node and the new
node becomes the last node of the linked list.
Example
class Node:
self.nextval = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.headval = None
# Function to add newnode
def AtEnd(self, newdata):
if self.headval is None:
self.headval = NewNode
return
laste = self.headval
while(laste.nextval):
laste = laste.nextval
laste.nextval=NewNode
e2 = Node("Tue")
e3 = Node("Wed")
e2.nextval = e3
list.AtEnd("Thu")
list.listprint()
Output
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Inserting in between two Data Nodes

This involves changing the pointer of a specific node to point to the new node. That is possible by
passing in both the new node and the existing node after which the new node will be inserted. So we
define an additional class which will change the next pointer of the new node to the next pointer of
middle node. Then assign the new node to next pointer of the middle node.
class Node:
self.nextval = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.headval = None
# Function to add node
def Inbetween(self,middle_node,newdata):
if middle_node is None:
print("The mentioned node is absent")
return
NewNode.nextval = middle_node.nextval
middle_node.nextval = NewNode
e2 = Node("Tue")
e3 = Node("Thu")
e2.nextval = e3
list.Inbetween(list.headval.nextval,"Fri")
list.listprint()
Output
Mon
Tue
Fri
Thu
Removing an Item
We can remove an existing node using the key for that node. In the below program we locate the
previous node of the node which is to be deleted.Then, point the next pointer of this node to the next
node of the node to be deleted.
Example
class Node:
def __init__(self, data=None):
self.data = data
self.next = None
class SLinkedList:
def __init__(self):
self.head = None
def Atbegining(self, data_in):
NewNode = Node(data_in)
NewNode.next = self.head
self.head = NewNode
# Function to remove node
def RemoveNode(self, Removekey):
HeadVal = self.head
if (HeadVal is not None):
if (HeadVal.data == Removekey):
self.head = HeadVal.next
HeadVal = None
return
while (HeadVal is not None):
if HeadVal.data == Removekey:
break
prev = HeadVal
HeadVal = HeadVal.next
if (HeadVal == None):
return
prev.next = HeadVal.next
HeadVal = None
def LListprint(self):
printval = self.head
while (printval):
print(printval.data),
printval = printval.next
llist = SLinkedList()
llist.Atbegining("Mon")
llist.Atbegining("Tue")
llist.Atbegining("Wed")
llist.Atbegining("Thu")
llist.RemoveNode("Tue")
llist.LListprint()
Output
Thu
Wed
Mon
Python - Stack
In the english dictionary the word stack means arranging objects on over another. It is the same way
memory is allocated in this data structure. It stores the data elements in a similar fashion as a bunch
of plates are stored one above another in the kitchen. So stack data strcuture allows operations at
one end wich can be called top of the stack.We can add elements or remove elements only form this
en dof the stack.
In a stack the element insreted last in sequence will come out first as we can remove only from the
top of the stack. Such feature is known as Last in First Out(LIFO) feature. The operations of adding
and removing the elements is known as PUSH and POP. In the following program we implement it
as add and and remove functions. We declare an empty list and use the append() and pop()
methods to add and remove the data elements.
PUSH into a Stack

Let us understand, how to use PUSH in Stack. Refer the program mentioned program below −
Example
class Stack:
def __init__(self):
self.stack = []
def add(self, dataval):
# Use list append method to add element
if dataval not in self.stack:
self.stack.append(dataval)
return True
else:
return False
# Use peek to look at the top of the stack
def peek(self):
return self.stack[-1]
AStack = Stack()
AStack.add("Mon")
AStack.add("Tue")
AStack.peek()
print(AStack.peek())
AStack.add("Wed")
AStack.add("Thu")
print(AStack.peek())
Output
Tue
Thu
POP from a Stack

As we know we can remove only the top most data element from the stack, we implement a python
program which does that. The remove function in the following program returns the top most
element. we check the top element by calculating the size of the stack first and then use the in-built
pop() method to find out the top most element.
class Stack:
def __init__(self):
self.stack = []
def add(self, dataval):
# Use list append method to add element
if dataval not in self.stack:
self.stack.append(dataval)
return True
else:
return False
# Use list pop method to remove element
def remove(self):
if len(self.stack) <= 0:
return ("No element in the Stack")
else:
return self.stack.pop()
AStack = Stack()
AStack.add("Mon")
AStack.add("Tue")
AStack.add("Wed")
AStack.add("Thu")
print(AStack.remove())
print(AStack.remove())
Output
Thu
Wed
Python - Queue
We are familiar with queue in our day to day life as we wait for a service. The queue data structure
aslo means the same where the data elements are arranged in a queue. The uniqueness of queue
lies in the way items are added and removed. The items are allowed at on end but removed form the
other end. So it is a First-in-First out method.
A queue can be implemented using python list where we can use the insert() and pop() methods to
add and remove elements. Their is no insertion as data elements are always added at the end of the
queue.
Adding Elements
In the below example we create a queue class where we implement the First-in-First-Out method.
We use the in-built insert method for adding data elements.
Example
class Queue:
def __init__(self):
self.queue = list()
def addtoq(self,dataval):
# Insert method to add element
if dataval not in self.queue:
self.queue.insert(0,dataval)
return True
return False
def size(self):
return len(self.queue)
TheQueue = Queue()
TheQueue.addtoq("Mon")
TheQueue.addtoq("Tue")
TheQueue.addtoq("Wed")
print(TheQueue.size())
Output
Removing Element
In the below example we create a queue class where we insert the data and then remove the data
using the in-built pop method.
Example
class Queue:
def __init__(self):
self.queue = list()
def addtoq(self,dataval):
# Insert method to add element
if dataval not in self.queue:
self.queue.insert(0,dataval)
return True
return False
# Pop method to remove element
def removefromq(self):
if len(self.queue)>0:
return self.queue.pop()
return ("No elements in Queue!")
TheQueue = Queue()
TheQueue.addtoq("Mon")
TheQueue.addtoq("Tue")
TheQueue.addtoq("Wed")
print(TheQueue.removefromq())
print(TheQueue.removefromq())
Output
Mon
Tue
Python - Dequeue
A double-ended queue, or deque, supports adding and removing elements from either end. The
more commonly used stacks and queues are degenerate forms of deques, where the inputs and
outputs are restricted to a single end.
Example
import collections
DoubleEnded = collections.deque(["Mon","Tue","Wed"])
DoubleEnded.append("Thu")
print ("Appended at right - ")
print (DoubleEnded)
DoubleEnded.appendleft("Sun")
print ("Appended at right at left is - ")
print (DoubleEnded)
DoubleEnded.pop()
print ("Deleting from right - ")
print (DoubleEnded)
DoubleEnded.popleft()
print ("Deleting from left - ")
print (DoubleEnded)
Output
Appended at right -
deque(['Mon', 'Tue', 'Wed', 'Thu'])
Appended at right at left is -
deque(['Sun', 'Mon', 'Tue', 'Wed', 'Thu'])
Deleting from right -
deque(['Sun', 'Mon', 'Tue', 'Wed'])
Deleting from left -
deque(['Mon', 'Tue', 'Wed'])
Python - Advanced Linked list

We have already seen Linked List in earlier chapter in which it is possible only to travel forward. In
this chapter we see another type of linked list in which it is possible to travel both forward and
backward. Such a linked list is called Doubly Linked List. Following is the features of doubly linked
list.
Doubly Linked List contains a link element called first and last.
Each link carries a data field(s) and two link fields called next and prev.
Each link is linked with its next link using its next link.
Each link is linked with its previous link using its previous link.
The last link carries a link as null to mark the end of the list.
Creating Doubly linked list

We create a Doubly Linked list by using the Node class. Now we use the same approach as used in
the Singly Linked List but the head and next pointers will be used for proper assignation to create
two links in each of the nodes in addition to the data present in the node.
Example
class Node:
def __init__(self, data):
self.data = data
self.next = None
self.prev = None
class doubly_linked_list:
def __init__(self):
self.head = None
# Adding data elements
def push(self, NewVal):
NewNode = Node(NewVal)
if self.head is not None:
self.head.prev = NewNode
self.head = NewNode
# Print the Doubly Linked list
def listprint(self, node):
while (node is not None):
print(node.data),
last = node
node = node.next
dllist = doubly_linked_list()
dllist.push(12)
dllist.push(8)
dllist.push(62)
dllist.listprint(dllist.head)
Output
62 8 12
Inserting into Doubly Linked List

Here, we are going to see how to insert a node to the Doubly Link List using the following program.
The program uses a method named insert which inserts the new node at the third position from the
head of the doubly linked list.
Example
# Create the Node class
class Node:
self.data = data
self.next = None
self.prev = None
# Create the doubly linked list
def __init__(self):
self.head = None
# Define the push method to add elements
self.head = NewNode
# Define the insert method to insert the element
def insert(self, prev_node, NewVal):
if prev_node is None:
return
NewNode.next = prev_node.next
prev_node.next = NewNode
NewNode.prev = prev_node
if NewNode.next is not None:
NewNode.next.prev = NewNode
# Define the method to print the linked list
print(node.data),
last = node
node = node.next
dllist.push(12)
dllist.push(8)
dllist.push(62)
dllist.insert(dllist.head.next, 13)
Output
62 8 13 12
Appending to a Doubly linked list

Appending to a doubly linked list will add the element at the end.
Example
# Create the node class
class Node:
self.data = data
self.next = None
self.prev = None
# Create the doubly linked list class
def __init__(self):
self.head = None
# Define the push method to add elements at the begining
self.head = NewNode
# Define the append method to add elements at the end
def append(self, NewVal):
NewNode.next = None
if self.head is None:
NewNode.prev = None
self.head = NewNode
return
last = self.head
while (last.next is not None):
last = last.next
last.next = NewNode
NewNode.prev = last
return
# Define the method to print
print(node.data),
last = node
node = node.next
dllist.push(12)
dllist.append(9)
dllist.push(8)
dllist.push(62)
dllist.append(45)
Output
62 8 12 9 45
Please note the position of the elements 9 and 45 for the append operation.
Python - Hash Table

Hash tables are a type of data structure in which the address or the index value of the data element
is generated from a hash function. That makes accessing the data faster as the index value behaves
as a key for the data value. In other words Hash table stores key-value pairs but the key is
generated through a hashing function.
So the search and insertion function of a data element becomes much faster as the key values
themselves become the index of the array which stores the data.
In Python, the Dictionary data types represent the implementation of hash tables. The Keys in the
dictionary satisfy the following requirements.
The keys of the dictionary are hashable i.e. the are generated by hashing function which
generates unique result for each unique value supplied to the hash function.
The order of data elements in a dictionary is not fixed.
So we see the implementation of hash table by using the dictionary data types as below.
Accessing Values in Dictionary

To access dictionary elements, you can use the familiar square brackets along with the key to obtain
its value.
Example
# Declare a dictionary
# Accessing the dictionary with its key

Output
dict['Name']: Zara
dict['Age']: 7
Updating Dictionary
You can update a dictionary by adding a new entry or a key-value pair, modifying an existing entry,
or deleting an existing entry as shown below in the simple example −
Example
# Declare a dictionary
dict['Age'] = 8; # update existing entry
dict['School'] = "DPS School"; # Add new entry
Output
dict['Age']: 8
dict['School']: DPS School
Delete Dictionary Elements

You can either remove individual dictionary elements or clear the entire contents of a dictionary. You
can also delete entire dictionary in a single operation.To explicitly remove an entire dictionary, just
use the del statement.
Example
del dict['Name']; # remove entry with key 'Name'
dict.clear(); # remove all entries in dict
del dict ; # delete entire dictionary
Output
This produces the following result. Note that an exception is raised because after del dict dictionary
does not exist anymore.
dict['Age']:
print "dict['Age']: ", dict['Age'];
TypeError: 'type' object is unsubscriptable
Python - Binary Tree

Tree represents the nodes connected by edges. It is a non-linear data structure. It has the following
properties −
One node is marked as Root node.
Every node other than the root is associated with one parent node.
Each node can have an arbiatry number of chid node.
We create a tree data structure in python by using the concept os node discussed earlier. We
designate one node as root node and then add more nodes as child nodes. Below is program to
create the root node.
Create Root
We just create a Node class and add assign a value to the node. This becomes tree with only a root
node.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
def PrintTree(self):
print(self.data)
root = Node(10)
root.PrintTree()
Output
10
Inserting into a Tree

To insert into a tree we use the same node class created above and add a insert class to it. The
insert class compares the value of the node to the parent node and decides to add it as a left node
or a right node. Finally the PrintTree class is used to print the tree.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
def insert(self, data):
# Compare the new value with the parent node
if self.data:
if data < self.data:
if self.left is None:
self.left = Node(data)
else:
self.left.insert(data)
elif data > self.data:
if self.right is None:
self.right = Node(data)
else:
self.right.insert(data)
else:
self.data = data
# Print the tree
if self.left:
self.left.PrintTree()
print( self.data),
if self.right:
self.right.PrintTree()
# Use the insert method to add nodes
root = Node(12)
root.insert(6)
root.insert(14)
root.insert(3)
root.PrintTree()
Output
3 6 12 14
Traversing a Tree
The tree can be traversed by deciding on a sequence to visit each node. As we can clearly see we
can start at a node then visit the left sub-tree first and right sub-tree next. Or we can also visit the
right sub-tree first and left sub-tree next. Accordingly there are different names for these tree
traversal methods.
Tree Traversal Algorithms

Traversal is a process to visit all the nodes of a tree and may print their values too. Because, all
nodes are connected via edges (links) we always start from the root (head) node. That is, we cannot
randomly access a node in a tree. There are three ways which we use to traverse a tree.
In-order Traversal
Pre-order Traversal
Post-order Traversal
In-order Traversal
In this traversal method, the left subtree is visited first, then the root and later the right sub-tree. We
should always remember that every node may represent a subtree itself.
In the below python program, we use the Node class to create place holders for the root node as
well as the left and right nodes. Then, we create an insert function to add data to the tree. Finally, the
In-order traversal logic is implemented by creating an empty list and adding the left node first
followed by the root or parent node.
At last the left node is added to complete the In-order traversal. Please note that this process is
repeated for each sub-tree until all the nodes are traversed.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
# Insert Node
if self.data:
else:
else data > self.data:
else:
else:
self.data = data
# Print the Tree
if self.left:
print( self.data),
if self.right:
# Inorder traversal
# Left -> Root -> Right
def inorderTraversal(self, root):

res = []
if root:
res = self.inorderTraversal(root.left)
res.append(root.data)
res = res + self.inorderTraversal(root.right)
return res
root = Node(27)
root.insert(14)
root.insert(35)
root.insert(10)
root.insert(19)
root.insert(31)
root.insert(42)
print(root.inorderTraversal(root))
Output
[10, 14, 19, 27, 31, 35, 42]
Pre-order Traversal
In this traversal method, the root node is visited first, then the left subtree and finally the right
subtree.
Pre-order traversal logic is implemented by creating an empty list and adding the root node first
followed by the left node.
At last, the right node is added to complete the Pre-order traversal. Please note that, this process is
repeated for each sub-tree until all the nodes are traversed.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
# Insert Node
if self.data:
else:
elif data > self.data:
else:
else:
self.data = data
# Print the Tree
if self.left:
print( self.data),
if self.right:
# Preorder traversal
# Root -> Left ->Right
def PreorderTraversal(self, root):
res = []
if root:
res = res + self.PreorderTraversal(root.left)
res = res + self.PreorderTraversal(root.right)
return res
root = Node(27)
root.insert(14)
root.insert(35)
root.insert(10)
root.insert(19)
root.insert(31)
root.insert(42)
print(root.PreorderTraversal(root))
Output
[27, 14, 10, 19, 35, 31, 42]
Post-order Traversal
In this traversal method, the root node is visited last, hence the name. First, we traverse the left
subtree, then the right subtree and finally the root node.
Post-order traversal logic is implemented by creating an empty list and adding the left node first
followed by the right node.
At last the root or parent node is added to complete the Post-order traversal. Please note that, this
process is repeated for each sub-tree until all the nodes are traversed.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
# Insert Node
if self.data:
else:
else if data > self.data:
else:
else:
self.data = data
# Print the Tree
if self.left:
print( self.data),
if self.right:
# Postorder traversal
# Left ->Right -> Root
def PostorderTraversal(self, root):
res = []
if root:
res = self.PostorderTraversal(root.left)
res = res + self.PostorderTraversal(root.right)
return res
root = Node(27)
root.insert(14)
root.insert(35)
root.insert(10)
root.insert(19)
root.insert(31)
root.insert(42)
print(root.PostorderTraversal(root))
Output
[10, 19, 14, 31, 42, 35, 27]
Python - Search Tree

A Binary Search Tree (BST) is a tree in which all the nodes follow the below-mentioned
properties.The left sub-tree of a node has a key less than or equal to its parent node's key.The right
sub-tree of a node has a key greater than to its parent node's key.Thus, BST divides all its sub-trees
into two segments; the left sub-tree and the right sub-tree
left_subtree (keys) ≤ node (key) ≤ right_subtree (keys)
Search for a value in a B-tree

Searching for a value in a tree involves comparing the incoming value with the value exiting nodes.
Here also we traverse the nodes from left to right and then finally with the parent. If the searched for
value does not match any of the exiting value, then we return not found message, or else the found
message is returned.
Example
class Node:
self.left = None
self.right = None
self.data = data
# Insert method to create nodes
if self.data:
else:
else data > self.data:
else:
else:
self.data = data
# findval method to compare the value with nodes
def findval(self, lkpval):
if lkpval < self.data:
return str(lkpval)+" Not Found"
return self.left.findval(lkpval)
else if lkpval > self.data:
return str(lkpval)+" Not Found"
return self.right.findval(lkpval)
else:
print(str(self.data) + ' is found')
# Print the tree
if self.left:
print( self.data),
if self.right:
root = Node(12)
root.insert(6)
root.insert(14)
root.insert(3)
print(root.findval(7))
print(root.findval(14))
Output
7 Not Found
14 is found
Python - Heaps
Heap is a special tree structure in which each parent node is less than or equal to its child node.
Then it is called a Min Heap. If each parent node is greater than or equal to its child node then it is
called a max heap. It is very useful is implementing priority queues where the queue item with higher
weightage is given more priority in processing.
A detailed discussion on heaps is available in our website here. Please study it first if you are new to
heap data structure. In this chapter we will see the implementation of heap data structure using
python.
Create a Heap
A heap is created by using python’s inbuilt library named heapq. This library has the relevant
functions to carry out various operations on heap data structure. Below is a list of these functions.
heapify − This function converts a regular list to a heap. In the resulting heap the smallest
element gets pushed to the index position 0. But rest of the data elements are not necessarily
sorted.
heappush − This function adds an element to the heap without altering the current heap.
heappop − This function returns the smallest data element from the heap.
heapreplace − This function replaces the smallest data element with a new value supplied in
the function.
Creating a Heap
A heap is created by simply using a list of elements with the heapify function. In the below example
we supply a list of elements and the heapify function rearranges the elements bringing the smallest
element to the first position.
Example
import heapq
H = [21,1,45,78,3,5]
# Use heapify to rearrange the elements
heapq.heapify(H)
print(H)
Output
[1, 3, 5, 78, 21, 45]
Inserting into heap

Inserting a data element to a heap always adds the element at the last index. But you can apply
heapify function again to bring the newly added element to the first index only if it smallest in value.
In the below example we insert the number 8.
Example
import heapq
H = [21,1,45,78,3,5]
# Covert to a heap
heapq.heapify(H)
print(H)
# Add element
heapq.heappush(H,8)
print(H)
Output
[1, 3, 5, 78, 21, 45]
[1, 3, 5, 78, 21, 45, 8]
Removing from heap

You can remove the element at first index by using this function. In the below example the function
will always remove the element at the index position 1.
Example
import heapq
H = [21,1,45,78,3,5]
# Create the heap
heapq.heapify(H)
print(H)
# Remove element from the heap
heapq.heappop(H)
print(H)
Output
[1, 3, 5, 78, 21, 45]
[3, 21, 5, 78, 45]
Replacing in a Heap
The heap replace function always removes the smallest element of the heap and inserts the new
incoming element at some place not fixed by any order.
Example
import heapq
H = [21,1,45,78,3,5]
# Create the heap
heapq.heapify(H)
print(H)
# Replace an element
heapq.heapreplace(H,6)
print(H)
Output
[1, 3, 5, 78, 21, 45]
[3, 6, 5, 78, 21, 45]
Python - Graphs
A graph is a pictorial representation of a set of objects where some pairs of objects are connected by
links. The interconnected objects are represented by points termed as vertices, and the links that
connect the vertices are called edges. The various terms and functionalities associated with a graph
is described in great detail in our tutorial here.
In this chapter we are going to see how to create a graph and add various data elements to it using
a python program. Following are the basic operations we perform on graphs.
Display graph vertices

Display graph edges
Add a vertex
Add an edge
Creating a graph
A graph can be easily presented using the python dictionary data types. We represent the vertices
as the keys of the dictionary and the connection between the vertices also called edges as the
values in the dictionary.
Take a look at the following graph −

In the above graph,
V = {a, b, c, d, e}
E = {ab, ac, bd, cd, de}
Example
We can present this graph in a python program as below −
# Create the dictionary with graph elements
graph = {
"a" : ["b","c"],
"b" : ["a", "d"],
"c" : ["a", "d"],
"d" : ["e"],
"e" : ["d"]
# Print the graph

print(graph)
Output
{'c': ['a', 'd'], 'a': ['b', 'c'], 'e': ['d'], 'd': ['e'], 'b': ['a', 'd']}
Display graph vertices

To display the graph vertices we simple find the keys of the graph dictionary. We use the keys()
method.
class graph:
def __init__(self,gdict=None):
if gdict is None:
gdict = []
self.gdict = gdict
# Get the keys of the dictionary
def getVertices(self):
return list(self.gdict.keys())
graph_elements = {
"a" : ["b","c"],
"b" : ["a", "d"],
"c" : ["a", "d"],
"d" : ["e"],
"e" : ["d"]
g = graph(graph_elements)
print(g.getVertices())
Output
['d', 'b', 'e', 'c', 'a']
Display graph edges

Finding the graph edges is little tricker than the vertices as we have to find each of the pairs of
vertices which have an edge in between them. So we create an empty list of edges then iterate
through the edge values associated with each of the vertices. A list is formed containing the distinct
group of edges found from the vertices.
class graph:
if gdict is None:
gdict = {}
self.gdict = gdict
def edges(self):
return self.findedges()
# Find the distinct list of edges

def findedges(self):
edgename = []
for vrtx in self.gdict:
for nxtvrtx in self.gdict[vrtx]:
if {nxtvrtx, vrtx} not in edgename:
edgename.append({vrtx, nxtvrtx})
return edgename
graph_elements = {
"a" : ["b","c"],
"b" : ["a", "d"],
"c" : ["a", "d"],
"d" : ["e"],
"e" : ["d"]
print(g.edges())
Output
[{'b', 'a'}, {'b', 'd'}, {'e', 'd'}, {'a', 'c'}, {'c', 'd'}]
Adding a vertex
Adding a vertex is straight forward where we add another additional key to the graph dictionary.
Example
class graph:
if gdict is None:
gdict = {}
self.gdict = gdict
def getVertices(self):
return list(self.gdict.keys())
# Add the vertex as a key
def addVertex(self, vrtx):
if vrtx not in self.gdict:
self.gdict[vrtx] = []
graph_elements = {
"a" : ["b","c"],
"b" : ["a", "d"],
"c" : ["a", "d"],
"d" : ["e"],
"e" : ["d"]
g.addVertex("f")
print(g.getVertices())
Output
['f', 'e', 'b', 'a', 'c','d']
Adding an edge
Adding an edge to an existing graph involves treating the new vertex as a tuple and validating if the
edge is already present. If not then the edge is added.
class graph:
if gdict is None:
gdict = {}
self.gdict = gdict
def edges(self):
return self.findedges()
# Add the new edge
def AddEdge(self, edge):
edge = set(edge)
(vrtx1, vrtx2) = tuple(edge)
if vrtx1 in self.gdict:
self.gdict[vrtx1].append(vrtx2)
else:
self.gdict[vrtx1] = [vrtx2]
# List the edge names
def findedges(self):
edgename = []
for vrtx in self.gdict:
for nxtvrtx in self.gdict[vrtx]:
if {nxtvrtx, vrtx} not in edgename:
edgename.append({vrtx, nxtvrtx})
return edgename
graph_elements = {
"a" : ["b","c"],
"b" : ["a", "d"],
"c" : ["a", "d"],
"d" : ["e"],
"e" : ["d"]
g.AddEdge({'a','e'})
g.AddEdge({'a','c'})
print(g.edges())
Output
[{'e', 'd'}, {'b', 'a'}, {'b', 'd'}, {'a', 'c'}, {'a', 'e'}, {'c', 'd'}]
Python - Algorithm Design

Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure, which defines a set of instructions to be executed in a certain
order to get the desired output. Algorithms are generally created independent of underlying
languages, i.e. an algorithm can be implemented in more than one programming language.
From the data structure point of view, following are some important categories of algorithms −
Search − Algorithm to search an item in a data structure.

Sort − Algorithm to sort items in a certain order.
Insert − Algorithm to insert item in a data structure.
Update − Algorithm to update an existing item in a data structure.
Delete − Algorithm to delete an existing item from a data structure.
Characteristics of an Algorithm
Not all procedures can be called an algorithm. An algorithm should have the following characteristics
−
Unambiguous − Algorithm should be clear and unambiguous. Each of its steps (or phases),
and their inputs/outputs should be clear and must lead to only one meaning.
Input − An algorithm should have 0 or more well-defined inputs.

Output − An algorithm should have 1 or more well-defined outputs, and should match the
desired output.
Finiteness − Algorithms must terminate after a finite number of steps.
Feasibility − Should be feasible with the available resources.
Independent − An algorithm should have step-by-step directions, which should be independent

of any programming code.
How to Write an Algorithm?

There are no well-defined standards for writing algorithms. Rather, it is problem and resource
dependent. Algorithms are never written to support a particular programming code.
As we know that all programming languages share basic code constructs like loops (do, for, while),
flow-control (if-else), etc. These common constructs can be used to write an algorithm.
We write algorithms in a step-by-step manner, but it is not always the case. Algorithm writing is a
process and is executed after the problem domain is well-defined. That is, we should know the
problem domain, for which we are designing a solution.
Example
Let's try to learn algorithm-writing by using an example.
Problem − Design an algorithm to add two numbers and display the result.
step 1 − START
step 2 − declare three integers a, b & c
step 3 − define values of a & b
step 4 − add values of a & b
step 5 − store output of step 4 to c
step 6 − print c
step 7 − STOP
Algorithms tell the programmers how to code the program. Alternatively, the algorithm can be written
as −
step 1 − START ADD
step 2 − get values of a & b
step 3 − c ← a + b
step 4 − display c
step 5 − STOP
In design and analysis of algorithms, usually the second method is used to describe an algorithm. It
makes it easy for the analyst to analyze the algorithm ignoring all unwanted definitions. He can
observe what operations are being used and how the process is flowing.
Writing step numbers, is optional.
We design an algorithm to get a solution of a given problem. A problem can be solved in more than
one ways.
Hence, many solution algorithms can be derived for a given problem. The next step is to analyze
those proposed solution algorithms and implement the best suitable solution.
Python - Divide and Conquer

In divide and conquer approach, the problem in hand, is divided into smaller sub-problems and then
each problem is solved independently. When we keep on dividing the subproblems into even smaller
sub-problems, we may eventually reach a stage where no more division is possible. Those "atomic"
smallest possible sub-problem (fractions) are solved. The solution of all sub-problems is finally
merged in order to obtain the solution of an original problem.
Broadly, we can understand divide-and-conquer approach in a three-step process.
Divide/Break
This step involves breaking the problem into smaller sub-problems. Sub-problems should represent
a part of the original problem. This step generally takes a recursive approach to divide the problem
until no sub-problem is further divisible. At this stage, sub-problems become atomic in nature but still
represent some part of the actual problem.
Conquer/Solve
This step receives a lot of smaller sub-problems to be solved. Generally, at this level, the problems
are considered 'solved' on their own.
Merge/Combine
When the smaller sub-problems are solved, this stage recursively combines them until they
formulate a solution of the original problem. This algorithmic approach works recursively and
conquer &s; merge steps works so close that they appear as one.
Examples
The following program is an example of divide-and-conquer programming approach where the
binary search is implemented using python.
Binary Search implementation

In binary search we take a sorted list of elements and start looking for an element at the middle of
the list. If the search value matches with the middle value in the list we complete the search.
Otherwise we eleminate half of the list of elements by choosing whether to procees with the right or
left half of the list depending on the value of the item searched.
This is possible as the list is sorted and it is much quicker than linear search.Here we divide the
given list and conquer by choosing the proper half of the list. We repeat this approcah till we find the
element or conclude about it's absence in the list.
Example
def bsearch(list, val):
list_size = len(list) - 1
idx0 = 0
idxn = list_size
# Find the middle most value
while idx0 <= idxn:
midval = (idx0 + idxn)// 2
if list[midval] == val:
return midval
# Compare the value the middle most value
if val > list[midval]:
idx0 = midval + 1
else:
idxn = midval - 1
if idx0 > idxn:
return None
# Initialize the sorted list
list = [2,7,19,34,53,72]
# Print the search result
print(bsearch(list,72))
print(bsearch(list,11))
Output
None
Python - Recursion
Recursion allows a function to call itself. Fixed steps of code get executed again and again for new
values. We also have to set criteria for deciding when the recursive call ends. In the below example
we see a recursive approach to the binary search. We take a sorted list and give its index range as
input to the recursive function.
Binary Search using Recursion

We implement the algorithm of binary search using python as shown below. We use an ordered list
of items and design a recursive function to take in the list along with starting and ending index as
input. Then, the binary search function calls itself till find the searched item or concludes about its
absence in the list.
Example
def bsearch(list, idx0, idxn, val):
if (idxn < idx0):
return None
else:
midval = idx0 + ((idxn - idx0) // 2)
# Compare the search item with middle most value
if list[midval] > val:
return bsearch(list, idx0, midval-1,val)
else if list[midval] < val:
return bsearch(list, midval+1, idxn, val)
else:
return midval
list = [8,11,24,56,88,131]
print(bsearch(list, 0, 5, 24))
print(bsearch(list, 0, 5, 51))
Output
None
Python - Backtracking
Backtracking is a form of recursion. But it involves choosing only option out of any possibilities. We
begin by choosing an option and backtrack from it, if we reach a state where we conclude that this
specific option does not give the required solution. We repeat these steps by going across each
available option until we get the desired solution.
Below is an example of finding all possible order of arrangements of a given set of letters. When we
choose a pair we apply backtracking to verify if that exact pair has already been created or not. If not
already created, the pair is added to the answer list else it is ignored.
Example
def permute(list, s):
if list == 1:
return s
else:
return [
y + x
for y in permute(1, s)
for x in permute(list - 1, s)
print(permute(1, ["a","b","c"]))
print(permute(2, ["a","b","c"]))
Output
['a', 'b', 'c']
['aa', 'ab', 'ac', 'ba', 'bb', 'bc', 'ca', 'cb', 'cc']
Python - Sorting Algorithms

Sorting refers to arranging data in a particular format. Sorting algorithm specifies the way to arrange
data in a particular order. Most common orders are in numerical or lexicographical order.
The importance of sorting lies in the fact that data searching can be optimized to a very high level, if
data is stored in a sorted manner. Sorting is also used to represent data in more readable formats.
Below we see five such implementations of sorting in python.
Bubble Sort
Merge Sort
Insertion Sort
Shell Sort
Selection Sort
Bubble Sort
It is a comparison-based algorithm in which each pair of adjacent elements is compared and the
elements are swapped if they are not in order.
Example
def bubblesort(list):
# Swap the elements to arrange in order
for iter_num in range(len(list)-1,0,-1):
for idx in range(iter_num):
if list[idx]>list[idx+1]:
temp = list[idx]
list[idx] = list[idx+1]
list[idx+1] = temp
list = [19,2,31,45,6,11,121,27]
bubblesort(list)
print(list)
Output
[2, 6, 11, 19, 27, 31, 45, 121]
Merge Sort
Merge sort first divides the array into equal halves and then combines them in a sorted manner.
Example
def merge_sort(unsorted_list):
if len(unsorted_list) <= 1:
return unsorted_list
# Find the middle point and devide it
middle = len(unsorted_list) // 2
left_list = unsorted_list[:middle]
right_list = unsorted_list[middle:]
left_list = merge_sort(left_list)
right_list = merge_sort(right_list)
return list(merge(left_list, right_list))
# Merge the sorted halves
def merge(left_half,right_half):
res = []
while len(left_half) != 0 and len(right_half) != 0:
if left_half[0] < right_half[0]:

res.append(left_half[0])
left_half.remove(left_half[0])
else:
res.append(right_half[0])
right_half.remove(right_half[0])
if len(left_half) == 0:
res = res + right_half
else:
res = res + left_half
return res
unsorted_list = [64, 34, 25, 12, 22, 11, 90]

print(merge_sort(unsorted_list))
Output
[11, 12, 22, 25, 34, 64, 90]
Insertion Sort
Insertion sort involves finding the right place for a given element in a sorted list. So in beginning we
compare the first two elements and sort them by comparing them. Then we pick the third element
and find its proper position among the previous two sorted elements. This way we gradually go on
adding more elements to the already sorted list by putting them in their proper position.
Example
def insertion_sort(InputList):
for i in range(1, len(InputList)):
j = i-1
nxt_element = InputList[i]
# Compare the current element with next one
while (InputList[j] > nxt_element) and (j >= 0):
InputList[j+1] = InputList[j]
j=j-1
InputList[j+1] = nxt_element
list = [19,2,31,45,30,11,121,27]
insertion_sort(list)
print(list)
Output
[2, 11, 19, 27, 30, 31, 45, 121]
Shell Sort
Shell Sort involves sorting elements which are away from each other. We sort a large sublist of a
given list and go on reducing the size of the list until all elements are sorted. The below program
finds the gap by equating it to half of the length of the list size and then starts sorting all elements in
it. Then we keep resetting the gap until the entire list is sorted.
Example
def shellSort(input_list):
gap = len(input_list) // 2
while gap > 0:
for i in range(gap, len(input_list)):
temp = input_list[i]
j = i
# Sort the sub list for this gap
while j >= gap and input_list[j - gap] > temp:
input_list[j] = input_list[j - gap]
j = j-gap
input_list[j] = temp
# Reduce the gap for the next element
gap = gap//2
list = [19,2,31,45,30,11,121,27]
shellSort(list)
print(list)
Output
[2, 11, 19, 27, 30, 31, 45, 121]
Selection Sort
In selection sort we start by finding the minimum value in a given list and move it to a sorted list.
Then we repeat the process for each of the remaining elements in the unsorted list. The next
element entering the sorted list is compared with the existing elements and placed at its correct
position.So, at the end all the elements from the unsorted list are sorted.
Example
def selection_sort(input_list):
for idx in range(len(input_list)):

min_idx = idx
for j in range( idx +1, len(input_list)):
if input_list[min_idx] > input_list[j]:
min_idx = j
# Swap the minimum value with the compared value
input_list[idx], input_list[min_idx] = input_list[min_idx], input_list[idx]

l = [19,2,31,45,30,11,121,27]
selection_sort(l)
print(l)
Output
[2, 11, 19, 27, 30, 31, 45, 121]
Python - Searching Algorithms

Searching is a very basic necessity when you store data in different data structures. The simplest
approach is to go across every element in the data structure and match it with the value you are
searching for.This is known as Linear search. It is inefficient and rarely used, but creating a program
for it gives an idea about how we can implement some advanced search algorithms.
Linear Search
In this type of search, a sequential search is made over all items one by one. Every item is checked
and if a match is found then that particular item is returned, otherwise the search continues till the
end of the data structure.
Example
def linear_search(values, search_for):
search_at = 0
search_res = False
# Match the value with each data element
while search_at < len(values) and search_res is False:
if values[search_at] == search_for:
search_res = True
else:
search_at = search_at + 1
return search_res
l = [64, 34, 25, 12, 22, 11, 90]
print(linear_search(l, 12))
print(linear_search(l, 91))
Output
True
False
Interpolation Search
This search algorithm works on the probing position of the required value. For this algorithm to work
properly, the data collection should be in a sorted form and equally distributed.Initially, the probe
position is the position of the middle most item of the collection.If a match occurs, then the index of
the item is returned.If the middle item is greater than the item, then the probe position is again
calculated in the sub-array to the right of the middle item. Otherwise, the item is searched in the
subarray to the left of the middle item. This process continues on the sub-array as well until the size
of subarray reduces to zero.
Example
There is a specific formula to calculate the middle position which is indicated in the program below −
def intpolsearch(values,x ):
idx0 = 0
idxn = (len(values) - 1)
while idx0 <= idxn and x >= values[idx0] and x <= values[idxn]:
# Find the mid point
mid = idx0 +\
int(((float(idxn - idx0)/( values[idxn] - values[idx0]))
* ( x - values[idx0])))
# Compare the value at mid point with search value
if values[mid] == x:
return "Found "+str(x)+" at index "+str(mid)
if values[mid] < x:
idx0 = mid + 1
return "Searched element not in the list"
l = [2, 6, 11, 19, 27, 31, 45, 121]
print(intpolsearch(l, 2))
Output
Found 2 at index 0
Python - Graph Algorithms

Graphs are very useful data structures in solving many important mathematical challenges. For
example computer network topology or analysing molecular structures of chemical compounds.
They are also used in city traffic or route planning and even in human languages and their grammar.
All these applications have a common challenge of traversing the graph using their edges and
ensuring that all nodes of the graphs are visited. There are two common established methods to do
this traversal which is described below.
Depth First Traversal

Also called depth first search (DFS),this algorithm traverses a graph in a depth ward motion and
uses a stack to remember to get the next vertex to start a search, when a dead end occurs in any
iteration. We implement DFS for a graph in python using the set data types as they provide the
required functionalities to keep track of visited and unvisited nodes.
Example
class graph:
if gdict is None:
gdict = {}
self.gdict = gdict
# Check for the visisted and unvisited nodes
def dfs(graph, start, visited = None):

if visited is None:
visited = set()
visited.add(start)
print(start)
for next in graph[start] - visited:
dfs(graph, next, visited)
return visited
gdict = {
"a" : set(["b","c"]),
"b" : set(["a", "d"]),
"c" : set(["a", "d"]),
"d" : set(["e"]),
"e" : set(["a"])
dfs(gdict, 'a')
Output
a b d e c
Breadth First Traversal

Also called breadth first search (BFS),this algorithm traverses a graph breadth ward motion and
uses a queue to remember to get the next vertex to start a search, when a dead end occurs in any
iteration. Please visit this link in our website to understand the details of BFS steps for a graph.
We implement BFS for a graph in python using queue data structure discussed earlier. When we
keep visiting the adjacent unvisited nodes and keep adding it to the queue. Then we start dequeue
only the node which is left with no unvisited nodes. We stop the program when there is no next
adjacent node to be visited.
Example
import collections
class graph:
if gdict is None:
gdict = {}
self.gdict = gdict
def bfs(graph, startnode):
# Track the visited and unvisited nodes using queue
seen, queue = set([startnode]), collections.deque([startnode])
while queue:
vertex = queue.popleft()
marked(vertex)
for node in graph[vertex]:
if node not in seen:
seen.add(node)
queue.append(node)
def marked(n):
print(n)
# The graph dictionary
gdict = {
"a" : set(["b","c"]),
"b" : set(["a", "d"]),
"c" : set(["a", "d"]),
"d" : set(["e"]),
"e" : set(["a"])
bfs(gdict, "a")
Output
a c b d e
Python - Algorithm Analysis

Efficiency of an algorithm can be analyzed at two different stages, before implementation and after
implementation. They are the following −
A Priori Analysis − This is a theoretical analysis of an algorithm. Efficiency of an algorithm is

measured by assuming that all other factors, for example, processor speed, are constant and
have no effect on the implementation.
A Posterior Analysis − This is an empirical analysis of an algorithm. The selected algorithm is

implemented using programming language. This is then executed on target computer machine.
In this analysis, actual statistics like running time and space required, are collected.
Algorithm Complexity
Suppose X is an algorithm and n is the size of input data, the time and space used by the algorithm
X are the two main factors, which decide the efficiency of X.
Time Factor − Time is measured by counting the number of key operations such as
comparisons in the sorting algorithm.
Space Factor − Space is measured by counting the maximum memory space required by the
algorithm.
The complexity of an algorithm f(n) gives the running time and/or the storage space required by the
algorithm in terms of n as the size of input data.
Space Complexity
Space complexity of an algorithm represents the amount of memory space required by the algorithm
in its life cycle. The space required by an algorithm is equal to the sum of the following two
components −
A fixed part that is a space required to store certain data and variables, that are independent of
the size of the problem. For example, simple variables and constants used, program size, etc.
A variable part is a space required by variables, whose size depends on the size of the
problem. For example, dynamic memory allocation, recursion stack space, etc.
Space complexity S(P) of any algorithm P is S(P) = C + SP(I), where C is the fixed part and S(I) is
the variable part of the algorithm, which depends on instance characteristic I. Following is a simple
example that tries to explain the concept −
Algorithm: SUM(A, B)
Step 1 − START
Step 2 − C ← A + B + 10
Step 3 − Stop
Here we have three variables A, B, and C and one constant. Hence S(P) = 1 + 3. Now, space
depends on data types of given variables and constant types and it will be multiplied accordingly.
Time Complexity
Time complexity of an algorithm represents the amount of time required by the algorithm to run to
completion. Time requirements can be defined as a numerical function T(n), where T(n) can be
measured as the number of steps, provided each step consumes constant time.
For example, addition of two n-bit integers takes n steps. Consequently, the total computational time
is T(n) = c ∗ n, where c is the time taken for the addition of two bits. Here, we observe that T(n)
grows linearly as the input size increases.
Python - Algorithm Types

The efficiency and accuracy of algorithms have to be analysed to compare them and choose a
specific algorithm for certain scenarios. The process of making this analysis is called Asymptotic
analysis. It refers to computing the running time of any operation in mathematical units of
computation.
For example, the running time of one operation is computed as f(n) and may be for another
operation it is computed as g(n2). This means the first operation running time will increase linearly
with the increase in n and the running time of the second operation will increase exponentially when
n increases. Similarly, the running time of both operations will be nearly the same if n is significantly
small.
Usually, the time required by an algorithm falls under three types −
Best Case − Minimum time required for program execution.
Average Case − Average time required for program execution.
Worst Case − Maximum time required for program execution.
Asymptotic Notations
The commonly used asymptotic notations to calculate the running time complexity of an algorithm.
Ο Notation
Ω Notation
θ Notation
Big Oh Notation, Ο
The notation Ο(n) is the formal way to express the upper bound of an algorithm's running time. It
measures the worst case time complexity or the longest amount of time an algorithm can possibly
take to complete.
For example, for a function f(n)
Ο(f(n)) = { g(n) : there exists c > 0 and n0 such that f(n) ≤ c.g(n) for all n >
n0. }
Omega Notation, Ω
The notation Ω(n) is the formal way to express the lower bound of an algorithm's running time. It
measures the best case time complexity or the best amount of time an algorithm can possibly take to
complete.
For example, for a function f(n)
Ω(f(n)) ≥ { g(n) : there exists c > 0 and n0 such that g(n) ≤ c.f(n) for all n >
n0. }
Theta Notation, θ
The notation θ(n) is the formal way to express both the lower bound and the upper bound of an
algorithm's running time. It is represented as follows −
θ(f(n)) = { g(n) if and only if g(n) = Ο(f(n)) and g(n) = Ω(f(n)) for all n > n0.
}
Common Asymptotic Notations

A list of some common asymptotic notations is mentioned below −
constant − Ο(1)
logarithmic − Ο(log n)
linear − Ο(n)
n log n − Ο(n log n)
quadratic − Ο(n2)
cubic − Ο(n3)
polynomial − nΟ(1)
exponential − 2Ο(n)
Python - Algorithm Classes

Algorithms are unambiguous steps which should give us a well-defined output by processing zero or
more inputs. This leads to many approaches in designing and writing the algorithms. It has been
observed that most of the algorithms can be classified into the following categories.
Greedy Algorithms
Greedy algorithms try to find a localized optimum solution, which may eventually lead to globally
optimized solutions. However, generally greedy algorithms do not provide globally optimized
solutions.
So greedy algorithms look for a easy solution at that point in time without considering how it impacts
the future steps. It is similar to how humans solve problems without going through the complete
details of the inputs provided.
Most networking algorithms use the greedy approach. Here is a list of few of them −
Travelling Salesman Problem
Prim's Minimal Spanning Tree Algorithm
Kruskal's Minimal Spanning Tree Algorithm
Dijkstra's Minimal Spanning Tree Algorithm
Divide and Conquer

This class of algorithms involve dividing the given problem into smaller sub-problems and then
solving each of the sub-problem independently. When the problem can not be further sub divided,
we start merging the solution to each of the sub-problem to arrive at the solution for the bigger
problem.
The important examples of divide and conquer algorithms are −
Merge Sort
Quick Sort
Kruskal's Minimal Spanning Tree Algorithm
Binary Search
Dynamic Programming
Dynamic programming involves dividing the bigger problem into smaller ones but unlike divide and
conquer it does not involve solving each sub-problem independently. Rather the results of smaller
sub-problems are remembered and used for similar or overlapping sub-problems.
Mostly, these algorithms are used for optimization. Before solving the in-hand sub-problem, dynamic
algorithm will try to examine the results of the previously solved sub-problems.Dynamic algorithms
are motivated for an overall optimization of the problem and not the local optimization.
The important examples of Dynamic programming algorithms are −
Fibonacci number series
Knapsack problem
Tower of Hanoi
Python - Amortized Analysis

Amortized analysis involves estimating the run time for the sequence of operations in a program
without taking into consideration the span of the data distribution in the input values. A simple
example is finding a value in a sorted list is quicker than in an unsorted list.
If the list is already sorted, it does not matter how distributed the data is. But of course the length of
the list has an impact as it decides the number of steps the algorithm has to go through to get the
final result.
So we see that if the initial cost of a single step of obtaining a sorted list is high, then the cost of
subsequent steps of finding an element becomes considerably low. So Amortized analysis helps us
find a bound on the worst-case running time for a sequence of operations. There are three
approaches to amortized analysis.
Accounting Method − This involves assigning a cost to each operation performed. If the actual
operation finishes quicker than the assigned time then some positive credit is accumulated in
the analysis.
In the reverse scenario it will be negative credit. To keep track of these accumulated credits, we
use a stack or tree data structure. The operations which are carried out early ( like sorting the list)
have high amortized cost but the operations that are late in sequence have lower amortized cost
as the accumulated credit is utilized. So the amortized cost is an upper bound of actual cost.
Potential Method − In this method the saved credit is utilized for future operations as
mathematical function of the state of the data structure. The evaluation of the mathematical
function and the amortized cost should be equal. So when the actual cost is greater than
amortized cost there is a decrease in potential and it is used utilized for future operations which
are expensive.
Aggregate analysis − In this method we estimate the upper bound on the total cost of n steps.
The amortized cost is a simple division of total cost and the number of steps (n)..
Python - Algorithm Justifications

In order to make claims about an Algorithm being efficient we need some mathematical tools as
proof. These tools help us on providing a mathematically satisfying explanation on the performance
and accuracy of the algorithms. Below is a list of some of those mathematical tools which can be
used for justifying one algorithm over another.
Direct Proof − It is direct verification of the statement by using the direct calculations. For
example sum of two even numbers is always an even number. In this case just add the two
numbers you are investigating and verify the result as even.
Proof by induction − Here we start with a specific instance of a truth and then generalize it to
all possible values which are part of the truth. The approach is to take a case of verified truth,
then prove it is also true for the next case for the same given condition. For example all positive
numbers of the form 2n-1 are odd. We prove it for a certain value of n, then prove it for the next
value of n. This establishes the statement as generally true by proof of induction.
Proof by contraposition − This proof is based on the condition If Not A implies Not B then A
implies B. A simple example is if square of n is even then n must be even. Because if square on
n is not even then n is not even.
Proof by exhaustion − This is similar to direct proof but it is established by visiting each case
separately and proving each of them. An example of such proof is the four color theorem.
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Python Data Structure - Quick Guide

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Python Data Structure - Quick Guide

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7/11/22, 6:14 PM Python Data Structure - Quick Guide

Python Data Structure - Quick Guide

Data Structure Overview

General Data Structures

Liner Data Structures

Non-Liner Data Structures

Python Specific Data Structures

Local Environment Setup

Unix (Solaris, Linux, FreeBSD, AIX, HP/UX, SunOS, IRIX, etc.)

Here is a quick overview of installing Python on various platforms −

Unix and Linux Installation

Open a Web browser and go to www.python.org/downloads .

Download and extract files.

Editing the Modules/Setup file if you want to customize some options.

run ./configure script

Open a Web browser and go to www.python.org/downloads .

Setting path at Unix/Linux

Note − /usr/local/bin/python is the path of the Python directory

Setting path at Windows

At the command prompt − type path %path%;C:\Python and press Enter.

Note − C:\Python is the path of the Python directory

Python Environment Variables

Sr.No. Variable & Description

It is used in Windows to instruct Python to find the first case-insensitive match in an

It is an alternative module search path. It is usually embedded in the PYTHONSTARTUP

Enter python the command line.

Start coding right away in the interactive interpreter.

C:> python # Windows/DOS

Sr.No. Option & Description

It provides debug output.

It generates optimized bytecode (resulting in .pyo files).

Do not run import site to look for Python paths on startup.

verbose output (detailed trace on import statements).

run Python script sent in as cmd string

run Python script from given file

Script from the Command-line

$python script.py # Unix/Linux

python% script.py # Unix/Linux

C: >python script.py # Windows/DOS

Note − Be sure the file permission mode allows execution.

Integrated Development Environment(IDE)

Unix − IDLE is the very first Unix IDE for Python.

Element − Each item stored in an array is called an element.

Index starts with 0.

Traverse − print all the array elements one by one.

Insertion − Adds an element at the given index.

Deletion − Deletes an element at the given index.

Search − Searches an element using the given index or by the value.

Update − Updates an element at the given index.

from array import *

arrayName = array(typecode, [Initializers])

b Represents signed integer of size 1 byte

B Represents unsigned integer of size 1 byte

c Represents character of size 1 byte

i Represents signed integer of size 2 bytes

I Represents unsigned integer of size 2 bytes

f Represents floating point of size 4 bytes

d Represents floating point of size 8 bytes

from array import *

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

Accessing Array Element

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

from array import *

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

from array import *

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

from array import *

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

from array import *

array1 = array('i', [10,20,30,40,50])

list3 = ["a", "b", "c", "d"]

list1 = ['physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000]

print "list1[0]: ", list1[0]

print "list2[1:5]: ", list2[1:5]

When the above code is executed, it produces the following result −

list = ['physics', 'chemistry', 1997, 2000]