How to Answer: In terms of search complexity and CPU time what would be the main advantage of having your Java application data structures stored in a sorted format?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Java Intermediate Level job interview.
2. In terms of search complexity and CPU time what would be the main advantage of having your Java application data structures stored in a sorted format?
This question examines your understanding of Java CPU runtime and code optimization. Expect this question later on in the interview process. To explain, working with Java requires you to understand code optimization as the Java framework is resource-heavy. In other words, your code should be optimized in a way that your Java program will run fast and efficiently. The interviewers are testing your understanding of optimization in terms of data storage and data searching capabilities. No code will be required in this question but you can add a code example if you believe it will add value to your answer. However, answer the question in the most direct manner. To explain, use Java terms and try to give a good example of what would be the difference between a sorted vs unsorted data structure.
In computer science not only Java programming there is a high benefit of having a sorted data structure. To explain, Java provides a set of data structures that enables the programmer to create dynamically allocated data storage for your program. Having a list of choices in terms of data structure opens the door for a lot of optimization opportunities. In other words, picking the right data structure will be the difference between having a fast-running program or not. However, one of the variables that a Java programmer can control is the way a list or array is ordered. Having an order list will enable a fast search operation on your data structure. For example, if we have a Java ArrayList of numbers having an order list will enable us to find any number easily using a fast search algorithm. The main advantage of having a sorted list is the program loading time and search speed of your list.
Written by Mohamed Echout on May 7th, 2021