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Activity #16: Research Definition

Activity #16: Research Definition

Danilo Buenafe Jr's photo
Danilo Buenafe Jr
·

3 min read

Table of contents

1. Data

Data refers to raw facts, figures, or information that can be processed or analyzed. It is the unprocessed building block for meaningful insights and information. Data can be in various forms, such as numbers, text, images, or audio.

Example:

  • Raw data: Temperature readings = [23, 25, 22, 26, 24]

  • This is just a collection of numbers (data), which on its own has no meaning until processed.

2. Structure

Structure refers to the organization or arrangement of components in a system. It can imply a particular order or hierarchy that helps manage and process elements within that system.

In programming, structure refers to how data is organized and manipulated.

Example:

  • In programming, the structure of an if-else statement:
if (condition):
    # Code block for true condition
else:
    # Code block for false condition

The structure ensures that one block of code runs based on the condition's truth value.

3. Data Structure:

Definition: A specialized format for organizing and managing data so that it can be efficiently accessed, modified, and processed.

Example: Array (a basic data structure):

let fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"];
console.log(fruits[0]);  // Outputs: Apple

Explanation: Here, an array is a data structure that stores multiple values (fruits) and allows access by index (e.g., fruits[0] to access the first element).

Another example: Linked List (another type of data structure):

class Node:
    def __init__(self, data):
        self.data = data
        self.next = None

class LinkedList:
    def __init__(self):
        self.head = None

# Example of adding and accessing data
list = LinkedList()
list.head = Node("Monday")
second = Node("Tuesday")
third = Node("Wednesday")
list.head.next = second
second.next = third

Explanation: Here, the linked list structure allows nodes (containing data) to be linked in sequence.

4. [ ] (Square Brackets)

Square brackets are used in various programming languages for indexing, specifying array elements, or denoting lists.

For example:

  • In Arrays: arr[0] accesses the first element of an array.

  • In Lists: myList = [1, 2, 3] represents a list.

let numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4];
console.log(numbers[2]);  // Outputs: 3 (accessing the element at index 2)

In Python, square brackets are used to create lists:

my_list = [10, 20, 30, 40]
print(my_list[1])  # Outputs: 20

Explanation: Here, square brackets are used to define and access elements of a list or array.

5. { } (Curly Braces)

Curly braces are used in many programming languages for defining blocks of code or specifying object literals.

For example:

  • In Code Blocks: { } is used to group statements in control structures like loops or conditionals.

  • In Objects: { "name": "John", "age": 30 } represents an object in JSON or JavaScript.

Example (Curly braces for code blocks): In JavaScript, they are used to define the scope of functions or control structures:

function greet() {
    let greeting = "Hello, World!";
    console.log(greeting);
}

Explanation: Curly braces { } are used to group the statements within the greet function.

Example (Curly braces for objects): In JavaScript, curly braces are also used to define objects:

let person = {
    name: "Alice",
    age: 25,
    city: "New York"
};
console.log(person.name);  // Outputs: Alice

Explanation: Curly braces { } are used here to define an object with properties like name, age, and city.

These concepts are foundational in programming, helping organize data and structure code.

data structures