Arrays
Static Arrays
Understanding Static Arrays in Python and their implementations
Introduction
Static arrays are fixed-size containers storing elements of the same data type in contiguous memory locations. In Python, traditional arrays are implemented through specialized modules like array
and numpy
.
Basic Implementation
Time Complexity
Operation | Time Complexity | Description |
---|---|---|
Access | O(1) | Direct access by index |
Search | O(n) | Linear search in unsorted array |
Insert | O(n) | Need to shift elements |
Delete | O(n) | Need to shift elements |
Append | O(1)* | When array isn’t full |
Memory Complexity
Basic Operations
Accessing Elements
Searching
Insertion
Deletion
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Array Rotation
2. Finding Maximum Subarray
3. Array Rearrangement
Advanced Optimizations
Cache-Friendly Traversal
SIMD-Like Operations
Memory Management
Memory Alignment
Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
1. Index Out of Bounds
2. Memory Efficiency
Interview Tips
- Always verify array bounds before access
- Consider edge cases: empty array, single element, duplicates
- Look for opportunities to use two-pointer technique
- Consider sorting if it helps solve the problem
- Think about space-time tradeoffs