Algorithms and Data Structures With Applications to Graphics and Geometry

Reviewed by Stephan Olariu, Professor, Old Dominion University on 6/20/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This book is not intended to be a comprehensive introduction to algorithms and data structures. For this, there are other books. Instead, the authors have focused on a smattering of fundamental topics that provide the student with tools for the study of other topics that were left out in the book. This book is not for beginners -- and it does not teach students how to program. Throughout the book, algorithmic and data structure-related ideas are cast in Pascal-style pseudo-code that has the benefit of being easy to assimilate and has none of the complications of "modern" programming languages.

As the title suggests, this is not a dry text on algorithms and data structures. There is a welcome emphasis on applying the algorithms and the data structures covered to real problems in computer graphics and geometry. In fact, Part VI of the book is intended to show the usefulness of data structures for the purpose of efficient implementation of algorithms that manipulate geometric objects.

In spite of being a comprehensive compendium of algorithms and data structures, the book can, and has been used successfully, in undergraduate courses dealing with algorithm design and data structures. It can also be used for self-study by all those who wish to broaden their horizon and wish to acquire a solid footing in the fundamentals of computer science.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book is highly accurate and has been tested by the authors in their classes for decades

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This is not a new book. It was published (with the same title) in 1993 by Prentice Hall. The topics covered and their tested relevance guarantee that it will always be fresh and timely. I can say without hesitation that his is one of the fundamental books in the computer science literature.

Clarity rating: 5

The authors are well known compete scientists and educators. They pedagogical style is perfect. This said, the book is not for everyone. It assumes that the reader has been exposed to the fundamentals of programming.

Consistency rating: 5

This book is consistent to the extreme. Notation is consistent end-to-end and the coverage of topics is masterfully orchestrated in a coherent and pleasant way. Each chapter starts out by enumerating the learning objectives and presents motivation for the study of the chapter.

Modularity rating: 5

The book is organized into six parts, each of them partitioned into several chapters. The parts are both independent of each other and, at the same time, build on ideas mentioned in previous parts and chapters. It is an exemplary way of organizing a successful book.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The algorithmic and data structure topics are organized in a natural order. The various topics are motivated, discussed in some detail and then consolidated by showing how they apply to real problems selected from computer graphics and geometry.

Interface rating: 5

Flawless, I could not identify and problems here.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The authors are using perfect English. I was unable to identify any grammatical errors or typos

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book does not further any hidden agenda and is not offensive in any way.

I highly recommend this book to all those who wish to acquire a solid footing in the design of algorithms and data structures.