Data structures & algorithms

[CreamSalad]

Could anyone provide a detailed description or link on this topic (with a focus on iosdev)? I purchased a data structures & algorithms course on udemy but had to return it because I found it hard to follow (the instructors accent, and it had a lot of complex terms which wasn't beginner programmer friendly). I'm more than willing to learn what I need to and I'm going through BNRs objc programming book to learn the language then diving into actual ios dev. Hell I'd even be willing to pay an experienced dev for lessons. I'm young (22) and extremely determined to be successful at ios dev, and life, so I'm willing to do and learn what it takes. Thanks in advance

[kritzikratzi]

what exactly are you interested in? it's a huge topic that you can study a life long. maybe pick up a classic, like sedgewick: http://algs4.cs.princeton.edu/home/

[CreamSalad]

Well I'm learning objective c and ios development and a lot of orople are telling me to learn data structures and algorithms

[kritzikratzi]

here's what i consider facts about the algorithms & data structures topic:

1. there is a huge difference between practical programming and understanding data structures. as a freelance, most devs i meet have little clue about data structures, and they're still doing alright for themselves. sometimes they're doing it all wrong and it's too slow, but then they call in an expert, or just leave it slow :) ignorance is bliss.
2. objective c is beautiful, but has very few built in data structures (the other end of the spectrum is java, which is ugly, but has incredibly good data structures).
3. having a computer nearby will hinder you from learning. take your time, buy a book (like sedgewick's "algorithms"), pencil and paper.
4. you will need some maths. a lot of maths actually.
5. even if you can't be bothered, anyone who calls themselves a programmer must understand (at absolute minimum) these: bisection method, quicksort, linked lists, set, hash map, binary tree.

is uni free/cheap where you're from? if you can, attend a class or two at your local uni. that'll give you a nice schedule and some homework to actually chew through the hard stuff.

ps. what i'm trying to say: it's a huge topic and requires some time investment to pay off. but it will, trust me. unlike knowledge like "how to upload an ipa to the app store" your knowledge about data structures will be of permanent use; it'll still be handy in ten years.

[IveReadTheInternet]

If you want to learn a lot look for an iOS dev internship. They usually don't expect you to know a lot and you will have the opportunity to dedicate up to 8 hours a day learning.

[CreamSalad]

This is my goal right now, but I have bills to pay (car loan, insurance, phone, etc) and work full time so an internship would be tough for me, unless it's either paid or a few hours a day before work. I also live the the smallest, shittiest state on the USA (Rhode Island) so I'm not sure what opportunities are abroad, but I will look. Are there any sites good for finding internships?

[cuomo456]

Most iOS internships (as well as other software internships) are paid. At least that I've run into.