DSA · Theory

Asymptotic Notation

Theory

4/810

Asymptotic Notation

Asymptotic Notation is a DSA topic. In plain words you use it for a short Asymptotic Notation example in a short dry-run on paper. Don’t start with a slogan — start with that picture.

Smallest example: the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Type it, run it, and say what you see. If you can do that from memory, you know Asymptotic Notation.

From the example next to this theory: Asymptotic Notation — big-O describes how work grows with input size — ignore constants.

Trap — only saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example. Fix that before you talk about advanced DSA.

Viva — what is Asymptotic Notation? Then show the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Then name the trap.

Exam tip

What is Asymptotic Notation? Show this: the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Trap: only saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example.

Example

def demo(n):
    # O(1)
    x = n + 1
    # O(n)
    total = sum(range(n))
    # O(n^2)
    pairs = 0
    for i in range(n):
        for j in range(n):
            pairs += 1
    return x, total, pairs

print(demo(3))

Asymptotic Notation — big-O describes how work grows with input size — ignore constants.

Short notes

DefAsymptotic Notation — a short Asymptotic Notation example in a short dry-run on paper.
Rulethe smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type
Traponly saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example
Usea short dry-run on paper

DSA · Theory

Asymptotic Notation

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Theory

4/810

Asymptotic Notation

Asymptotic Notation is a DSA topic. In plain words you use it for a short Asymptotic Notation example in a short dry-run on paper. Don’t start with a slogan — start with that picture.

Smallest example: the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Type it, run it, and say what you see. If you can do that from memory, you know Asymptotic Notation.

From the example next to this theory: Asymptotic Notation — big-O describes how work grows with input size — ignore constants.

Trap — only saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example. Fix that before you talk about advanced DSA.

Viva — what is Asymptotic Notation? Then show the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Then name the trap.

Exam tip

What is Asymptotic Notation? Show this: the smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type. Trap: only saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example.

Example

def demo(n):
    # O(1)
    x = n + 1
    # O(n)
    total = sum(range(n))
    # O(n^2)
    pairs = 0
    for i in range(n):
        for j in range(n):
            pairs += 1
    return x, total, pairs

print(demo(3))

Asymptotic Notation — big-O describes how work grows with input size — ignore constants.

Short notes

DefAsymptotic Notation — a short Asymptotic Notation example in a short dry-run on paper.
Rulethe smallest Asymptotic Notation example you can type
Traponly saying “Asymptotic Notation” with no example
Usea short dry-run on paper

Asymptotic Notation

Example

Short notes

Questions

Asymptotic Notation

Example

Short notes

Questions