#linked lists

The fundamental difference between arrays and linked lists is that arrays are static data structures while linked lists are dynamic data structures. A static data structure needs all of it’s resources to be allocated when the structure is created – meaning even if the structure was to grow or shrink in size and elements needed to be added or removed – it always needs a given size and amount of memory. So if more elements need to be added to a static data structure and it didn’t have that memory. you’d need to copy the data of that array and recreate it with more memory so you could add more elements to it. Whereas a dynamic data structure can shrink and grow in memory. It doesn’t need a set amount of memory to be allocated in order to exist and it’s size and shape can change – the amount of memory it needs can change as well.

Here are a list of problems that are commonly asked in tech interviews: Basic operations: Create a linked list Add a node at beginning Add a node at end Add a node at given index Get length of linked list Delete linked list Delete a node at a given index Find the index of a the given value Print linked list Find the Middle of the Linked List Reverse the linked list (iterative approach)

It has come!  Comp Science topics!  The last few weeks of the bootcamp were spent learning how to look like Comp Sci graduates by mastering data structures.  Stacks, queues, linked lists, doubly linked lists, trees, graphs...I was tardy EVERYDAY of the 1st week that we spent on these because I had to find a new gym and was just spending a ton of time developing my project.  I shot myself in the foot because it made learning these topics harder than it needed to be.  I felt lost in the whiteboarding sessions and started to worry that I had wasted my time.  Also, because I was spending most of my time on my project at night (sometimes staying up until 5 AM to do it), I became very sleepy in class...sleepier than normal, and would fall asleep in EVERY lecture.  It became really bad and I developed a reputation for it...however, I know I fought to stay awake, but after working out, eating less than normal, sleeping 3-5 hours a night, sitting in one place for hours on a couch or floor (since my school didn’t believe in traditional classroom desks), I just couldn’t win that battle.  

I think I have highlighted this here before, but I have always been sleepier than others.  When I was a kid, I was always the first to drop and would sleep despite my friends or family members running and screaming around me while I was knocked out.  I went on a camping trip with some friends in Tahoe and was sleep anytime we had downtime: at the beach, in the cabin, etc.  I have always been paranoid that this is due to larger health problems, but my physicals always boast great health (thank the Lord).  I think I could be MUCH healthier if I got more sleep and drank more water.  I attempted to do that during camp and while I have failed at this, I have certainly tried.  When I master this, you better watch out!...