Search icon CANCEL
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScript
Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScript

Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScript: Write efficient code that is highly performant, scalable, and easily testable using JavaScript

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Mukkamala
Arrow right icon
Free Trial
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (3 Ratings)
Paperback Jan 2018 332 pages 1st Edition
eBook
Can$34.98 Can$49.99
Paperback
Can$61.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Mukkamala
Arrow right icon
Free Trial
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4 (3 Ratings)
Paperback Jan 2018 332 pages 1st Edition
eBook
Can$34.98 Can$49.99
Paperback
Can$61.99
Subscription
Free Trial
eBook
Can$34.98 Can$49.99
Paperback
Can$61.99
Subscription
Free Trial

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScript

Creating Queues for In-Order Executions

A queue is a programming construct that bears a heavy resemblance to real-world queues, for example, a queue at the movie theater, ATMs, or the bank. Queues, as opposed to stacks, are first-in first-out (FIFO), so whatever goes in first comes out first as well. This is especially helpful when you would like to maintain data in the same sequence in which it flows in.

A more computer/scientific definition of a queue would be as follows: 

An abstract data collection in which the elements can be added to the back called enqueue and removed from the front called dequeue which makes it a FIFO data structure.

Of course, having only enqueue and dequeue operations may be enough for the majority of cases to cover a wider spectrum of issues that we may encounter; however, we can expand the API and make our queue future...

Types of queue

Before we begin understanding queues, let's quickly take a look at the types of queues that we may want to use in our applications:

  • Simple queue: In a simple FIFO queue, the order is retained and data leaves in the same order in which it comes in
  • Priority queue: A queue in which the elements are given a predefined priority
  • Circular queue: Similar to a simple queue, except that the back of the queue is followed by the front of the queue
  • Double ended queue (Dequeue): Similar to the simple queue but can add or remove elements from either the front or the back of the queue

Implementing APIs

Implementing an API is never as easy as it seems, as discussed earlier. When making generic classes, we can never predict what kinds of a situation our queue is going to be used in. With that in mind, let's create a very generic API for our queue and expand it in future as we see fit. Some of the most common operations that we can add to the queue are as follows:

  •  add(): Pushes an item to the back of the queue
  •  remove(): Removes an item from the start of the queue
  •  peek(): Shows the last item added to the queue
  •  front(): Returns the item at the front of the queue
  •  clear(): Empties the queue
  •  size(): Gets the current size of the queue

Creating a queue

Of the four types of the queue that we have discussed earlier, first, we will implement a simple queue and then move on to modify it for each type of the subsequent queue.

A simple queue

Similar to a stack, we will create a queue using the following steps:

  1. Define a constructor():
class Queue {
constructor() {

}
}
  1. We will be using WeakMap() for in-memory data storage just like we did for stacks: 
    const qKey = {};
const items = new WeakMap();

class Queue {
constructor() {

}
}
  1. Implement the methods described previously in the API:
var Queue = (() => {
const qKey = {};
const items = new WeakMap();

class Queue {

constructor() {
...

Use cases for queues

Before we start off with use cases, we will need a base starting point in the form of a Node.js application. To create one, ensure that you have the latest Node.js installed:

node -v

This should show you your currently installed Node.js version; if it does not, then download and install the latest version of Node.js from https://nodejs.org/en.

Creating a Node.js application

To start off a sample Node.js project, simply create a project folder first and then run the following command from that folder:

npm init

On running this command, Node will prompt you with a series of questions, which you can either fill or leave blank:

Once the blank application is created, all you see is a file called...

Comparing performance

Earlier, we saw how we can simply swap out a simple queue for a priority queue and not worry about the functional change that it might cause; similarly, we can swap out priority queues for a higher-performant variant of them: circular dequeues.

Before we start working on a comparison, we will need to discuss circular queues and why we need them. 

The difference between a circular queue and a simple queue is that the back of the queue is followed by the front of the queue. That being said, they are not functionally different. They still perform the same operations, and produce the same results; you might be wondering where exactly they differ and what's the point if the end result is the same.

In JavaScript arrays, memory locations are contiguous. So, when creating a queue and performing operations such as remove(), we will need to worry about...

Summary

With that, we conclude this chapter on queues. We learned about simple, priority, and circular queues and it's double-ended variant. We also learned when to apply them based on use cases and we saw with example, how we can leverage the power of benchmarking any algorithm or data structure as needed. In the next chapter, we will be putting sets, maps, and hashes under the microscope to understand their internal workings and see what situations they can be useful in.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Key benefits

  • A step by step guide, which will provide you with a thorough discussion on the analysis and design of fundamental JavaScript data structures
  • Get a better understanding of advanced concepts such as space and time complexity to optimize your code
  • Focus more on solving the business problem and less on the technical challenges involved

Description

Data structures and algorithms are the fundamental building blocks of computer programming. They are critical to any problem, provide a complete solution, and act like reusable code. Using appropriate data structures and having a good understanding of algorithm analysis are key in JavaScript to solving crises and ensuring your application is less prone to errors. Do you want to build applications that are high-performing and fast? Are you looking for complete solutions to implement complex data structures and algorithms in a practical way? If either of these questions rings a bell, then this book is for you! You'll start by building stacks and understanding performance and memory implications. You will learn how to pick the right type of queue for the application. You will then use sets, maps, trees, and graphs to simplify complex applications. You will learn to implement different types of sorting algorithm before gradually calculating and analyzing space and time complexity. Finally, you'll increase the performance of your application using micro optimizations and memory management. By the end of the book you will have gained the skills and expertise necessary to create and employ various data structures in a way that is demanded by your project or use case.

Who is this book for?

If you are a JavaScript developer looking for practical examples to implement data structures and algorithms in your web applications, then this book is for you. Familiarity with data structures and algorithms will be helpful to get the most out of this book.

What you will learn

  • Build custom Back buttons embedded within your application
  • Build part of a basic JavaScript syntax parser and evaluator for an online IDE
  • Build a custom activity user tracker for your application
  • Generate accurate recommendations for credit card approval using Decision Trees
  • Simplify complex problems using a graphs
  • Increase the performance of an application using micro-optimizations

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jan 30, 2018
Length: 332 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781788398558
Vendor :
Netscape
Category :
Languages :

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing

Product Details

Publication date : Jan 30, 2018
Length: 332 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781788398558
Vendor :
Netscape
Category :
Languages :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total Can$ 185.97
Learning JavaScript Data  Structures and Algorithms
Can$61.99
Mastering JavaScript Functional Programming
Can$61.99
Hands-On Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScript
Can$61.99
Total Can$ 185.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

10 Chapters
Building Stacks for Application State Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Creating Queues for In-Order Executions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Using Sets and Maps for Faster Applications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Using Trees for Faster Lookup and Modifications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Simplify Complex Applications Using Graphs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Exploring Types of Algorithms Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Sorting and Its Applications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Big O Notation, Space, and Time Complexity Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Micro-Optimizations and Memory Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(3 Ratings)
5 star 33.3%
4 star 33.3%
3 star 33.3%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Prashanth Naik Aug 19, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book has a strong recipe for Data Structures and in-depth tutorial about Javascript. This has mostly everything you want to know if you want to understand DS. Helped a lot during the interview stage. Thanks, Kashyap.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Webia1 Sep 01, 2019
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
einige Wunschbereiche sind dünn aber jetzt habe ich keine Zeit explizit darauf einzugehen, sorry,..
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Amazon Customer Nov 30, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
The grammar in this book is not great, but I do not think the author is a native English speaker. Some areas are better than others. I found the book to be practical, but its frustrating trying to figure out what the author means.. You will not find refuge in Learning Javascript Data Structures and Algorithms by Loiane Groner as that book is worse. I'll leave a 3 for effort, it probably should be 2 seeing that this book costed about 50.00. I doubt I would buy a 2nd Edition.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is included in a Packt subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

A subscription provides you with full access to view all Packt and licnesed content online, this includes exclusive access to Early Access titles. Depending on the tier chosen you can also earn credits and discounts to use for owning content

How can I cancel my subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

To cancel your subscription with us simply go to the account page - found in the top right of the page or at https://subscription.packtpub.com/my-account/subscription - From here you will see the ‘cancel subscription’ button in the grey box with your subscription information in.

What are credits? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Credits can be earned from reading 40 section of any title within the payment cycle - a month starting from the day of subscription payment. You also earn a Credit every month if you subscribe to our annual or 18 month plans. Credits can be used to buy books DRM free, the same way that you would pay for a book. Your credits can be found in the subscription homepage - subscription.packtpub.com - clicking on ‘the my’ library dropdown and selecting ‘credits’.

What happens if an Early Access Course is cancelled? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Projects are rarely cancelled, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If an Early Access course is cancelled or excessively delayed, you can exchange your purchase for another course. For further details, please contact us here.

Where can I send feedback about an Early Access title? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you have any feedback about the product you're reading, or Early Access in general, then please fill out a contact form here and we'll make sure the feedback gets to the right team. 

Can I download the code files for Early Access titles? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We try to ensure that all books in Early Access have code available to use, download, and fork on GitHub. This helps us be more agile in the development of the book, and helps keep the often changing code base of new versions and new technologies as up to date as possible. Unfortunately, however, there will be rare cases when it is not possible for us to have downloadable code samples available until publication.

When we publish the book, the code files will also be available to download from the Packt website.

How accurate is the publication date? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The publication date is as accurate as we can be at any point in the project. Unfortunately, delays can happen. Often those delays are out of our control, such as changes to the technology code base or delays in the tech release. We do our best to give you an accurate estimate of the publication date at any given time, and as more chapters are delivered, the more accurate the delivery date will become.

How will I know when new chapters are ready? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We'll let you know every time there has been an update to a course that you've bought in Early Access. You'll get an email to let you know there has been a new chapter, or a change to a previous chapter. The new chapters are automatically added to your account, so you can also check back there any time you're ready and download or read them online.

I am a Packt subscriber, do I get Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Yes, all Early Access content is fully available through your subscription. You will need to have a paid for or active trial subscription in order to access all titles.

How is Early Access delivered? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is currently only available as a PDF or through our online reader. As we make changes or add new chapters, the files in your Packt account will be updated so you can download them again or view them online immediately.

How do I buy Early Access content? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is a way of us getting our content to you quicker, but the method of buying the Early Access course is still the same. Just find the course you want to buy, go through the check-out steps, and you’ll get a confirmation email from us with information and a link to the relevant Early Access courses.

What is Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Keeping up to date with the latest technology is difficult; new versions, new frameworks, new techniques. This feature gives you a head-start to our content, as it's being created. With Early Access you'll receive each chapter as it's written, and get regular updates throughout the product's development, as well as the final course as soon as it's ready.We created Early Access as a means of giving you the information you need, as soon as it's available. As we go through the process of developing a course, 99% of it can be ready but we can't publish until that last 1% falls in to place. Early Access helps to unlock the potential of our content early, to help you start your learning when you need it most. You not only get access to every chapter as it's delivered, edited, and updated, but you'll also get the finalized, DRM-free product to download in any format you want when it's published. As a member of Packt, you'll also be eligible for our exclusive offers, including a free course every day, and discounts on new and popular titles.