Java Collections : An Introduction to Abstract Data Types, Data Structures, and Algorithms

__Java Collections__* emphasizes good object-oriented software design and implementation * presents algorithms both in English and in Java, and shows how to analyze their efficiency (with only light mathematics) * introduces the concept of an abstract data type, shows how to use a "contract" to specify the abstract data type's contract and its implementation in terms of a suitbale data structure and algorithms * covers a variety of abstract data types (stacks, queues, lists, sets, maps, priority queues, trees, and graphs), compares alternative implementations of these abstract types, and relates them to the Java collection classes * features numerous examples and case studies showing how the abstract data types are used in practical applciaitons * contains numerous graded exercises, offering opportunities to explore alternatives to the designs and implementations presented in the text * includes appendices summarizing the mathematics of algorithm analysis, the relevant features of the Java programming language, and the Java collection classes. Paying close attention to the Java 2 collection classes, this book is designed to give programmers the ability to choose the best collection classes for each application. The focus of the book is on abstract data types (ADTs) that turn up again and again in software design. It will use these ADTs to introduce the data structures required to implement them and the algorithms associated with the data structures. Suitable for a first course in algorithms and data structures, or a second course in programming using Java, this text offers a unique angle by concentrating on the in-built collection classes in Java 2, enabling more emphasis on software design, and less on theory. Primarily targetted at students of computer science or information technology, but also of interest to professional programmers and software engineers who are retraining to program in Java. Concentrates on the in-built collection classes in Java 2, enabling more emphasis on software design and less on theory. This book gives programmers the ability to choose the best collection classes for each application. The authors explore abstract data types (ADTs) that turn up again and again in software design. Algorithms are procedure for solving stated problems.