1. Computer Architecture
Computer architecture encompasses the design and organization of a computer system. It defines how the CPU, memory, and I/O devices interact.
[Image of Von Neumann computer architecture diagram]
Note: The CPU acts as the brain! It uses the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle to process instructions. Don't forget the ALU does the math!
2. Data Structures
Data structures provide a way to organize and store data efficiently so that it can be accessed and modified easily.
[Image of binary search tree data structure]
Trees are everywhere! The DOM in this HTML file is literally a tree structure. O(log n) search time for balanced trees is a lifesaver.
3. Algorithms & Big-O
An algorithm is a finite sequence of rigorous instructions used to solve a class of specific problems or perform a computation.
O(1) is a dream. O(n²) is a nightmare. Always analyze your loops! Nested loops usually spell danger for performance.