Overview

Sets are a simple, nifty little data structure. They’re similar to arrays with one key difference: They only hold unique values.

Prerequisites

• Big O Notation
• Linked Lists

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define a set and how it’s used in programming.
• Distinguish between a set, an array, and a linked list.
• Implement a set and common methods used in sets.

Content

There are two components to this module:

1. Lesson: Sets
2. Exercise: Implementing a Set

Solution Code

• Exercise Solution: Implementing a Set

Time to Complete

1.5 hours total:

• 0.5 hour - Sets Lesson
• 1 hour - Implementing a Set Exercise

Additional Resources

• The great set vs. array debate: An article discussing when to use sets versus arrays.
• We talk about sets in JavaScript, but they’re also a pretty common object in Python. Read more about how they’re used here: A detailed explanation of sets in Python.
• An in-depth overview of sets in JavaScript: A comprehensive guide to sets in JavaScript.

Internal resources

✏️ Instructor Guide

🏗️ Release Notes

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