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Practical Data Structures in C++ by Bryan Flamig Recommended

ISBN: 0-471-55863-X       Publisher: Wiley       Pages: 436pp+disk       Price: £37-95

Categories:   data structures     advanced c++

Reviewed by Peter Arnold in Overload OL4 (Feb 1994)

The author, whose background is in mechanical engineering, is a consultant specialising in C++. The data structures presented are specifically designed to make the most of C++ (as opposed to being rewritten 'C' or Pascal examples). Before examining any of the data types in detail, the author considers how C++ can best be put to use (the second chapter is entitled "Using C++ effectively", and another chapter covers practical design principles).

Taking as a starting-point the basic concept of the data structure as a means of organising data, the book moves on to describe the different types of data structure and their uses.

Two fundamental types of data structure are identified: contiguous and non- contiguous. The book then gives in-depth coverage of specific structures such as arrays, strings, vectors and matrices, linked lists, stacks and queues, and trees. An innovative technique using file-based objects is also described in detail. Nothing is left as an abstract idea; each concept introduced is supported by practical examples. The examples used are extremely effective in communicating the idea in question and illustrating its usefulness; all examples are included on the disk.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is one I will revisit as a reference, and I recommend it as a very accessible and stimulating addition to anyone's bookshelf.