History of Data Structures
Data structures are fundamental tools in computer science, serving both to organize and manage data efficiently and to optimize algorithmic performance across various applications. From developing everyday functions to groundbreaking innovations, programmers increasingly rely on data structures. Recognizing the history of data structures provides us insight into how they’ve shaped our current society, while also exploring their potential to address emerging technological and ethical challenges. Consequently, it is important to understand not only their technical applications, but also their historical origins and evolution.
This component of the course will expand our understanding of the historical significance of the data structures covered in this course by answering these questions:
- Where do these data structures originate?
- Who developed them, and what potential biases might they reflect?
- How have data structures been used historically?
- What are their contemporary applications?
- In what ways can data structures be used to transform society?
Credits
This history supplemental “textbook” is written by Jing O’Brien (PO ‘25) under guidance from Jingyi Li and is generously supported by a Pomona College Wig Grant. Thank you Jing!