README

-- RMU SESSION 5 EXERCISE 3

If in doubt about how to submit, see SUBMISSION_GUIDELINES file.

In this exercise, students will be implementing classic data structures and then
demonstrating what they're good for by constructing realistic examples of them
in use. The goal is to produce structures that feel natural to work with in 
Ruby while learning some computer science along the way.

== GUIDELINES

- First, research the data structures listed on the student notes page for this
  assignment.

- When you come across one you feel you understand enough to implement, claim
  the structure by putting your name next to it.

- Implement your selected data structure, keeping in mind the goal of producing
  clean and idiomatic Ruby code. Do not blindly follow the pseudocode or sample
  implementations for these structures which are typically written in C, C++, or
  Java, as you will likely end up with something that doesn't look or feel like
  Ruby this way.

- Create a practical example that illustrates what your data structure can be
  used for.  Try to pick a scenario that is particularly well suited for the
  structure you chose.  Wikipedia is a good starting point for figuring out what
  different structures were designed for.

- While it's always a good idea to have automated test coverage, this problem
  is especially well suited for the use of extensive unit testing.  Most data
  structures have a fairly well defined set of operations they need to provide,
  and tests will provide a great way to move those features along. If you are
  not comfortable with writing unit tests, at least write small examples for
  each core operation of your data structure.

- Feel free to help each other study the core concepts necessary to complete
  this exercise. My own CS experience is not especially deep, but I've tried to
  pick some of the more common structures that developers should be familiar
  with, so it's likely someone in the course can help you if you get stuck.

- The structures I have selected for this exercise range fairly widely in their
  difficulty to implement. Make sure to look at at least a few before deciding
  which structure is a good match for you.
  
== QUESTIONS?

Hit up the mailing list or IRC. RMU exercises are left deliberately open ended,
and often benefit from some discussion before, during, and after you work on
them.