Clearing the Deque • Picturing Python’s `deque` data structure

NB This is a hybrid event. RSVP here for virtual-attendance. Please book at https://www.meetup.com/nzpug-auckland/events/297219275/ if you would like to attend in-person (Parnell). Meeting location-details or URL will be made available when you RSVP!

How often do you use a deque*? “Not very” is a common answer. Perhaps you’ve never used it. In this presentation, Stephen won’t try to convince you to use it more often. Instead, he’ll present a different perspective on what this data structure is, and how it differs from a list. The presentation will compare deques and lists in a visual manner, to help us understand why we may need a deque in certain situations. We’ll also explore some demonstration examples to highlight the differences in performance between the two data structures in different scenarios.

*pronounced like “deck"

Audience: This presentation is ideal for those who have either never heard of deque, or have heard of it but never really used it or understood why it’s needed. The more experienced may find the visual story insightful.

Stephen used to be a physicist, which is where he learned programming. After working in science and academia for over a decade, he decided to escape before it was too late. Since then, has focused exclusively on teaching coding and communicating about Python. A big part of his day is busy with running Codetoday—we teach Python coding to children between 7 and 16 years old (https://www.codetoday.co.uk/). He also runs courses for adults and corporate training programs, and particularly, writing about Python. He writes the articles he wished he had when learning. He publishes articles at The Python Coding Stack (https://thepythoncodingstack.substack.com/) and also wrote an online book (soon to be in other formats, too) for beginners, The Python Coding Book (https://thepythoncodingbook.com/).

About Us:
The Auckland members of the New Zealand Python Users Group meet twice monthly. You're very welcome to attend online or in-person (as available). Meeting location-details or URL will be sent to those who RSVP.

We are a healthy mix of Python users. Students, academics, hobbyists, industry professionals, and many completely new to Python.

The "room" opens at 1815 (local time) with an opportunity to network with colleagues. Formal start is 1830 and everything should be wrapped up by 2030.

We are always keen to hear suggestions for meeting-topics, and to meet with folk who'd like to present or lead - eg a brief 'lightning talk', a practical coaching-session, a full lecture... Help is available if you've never done such a thing before!

We follow the NZPUG Code of Conduct to create an inclusive and friendly environment.

We express thanks to, and encourage you to investigate our sponsors: Catalyst Cloud, New Zealand Open Source Society, JetBrains, and IceHouse Ventures.

You are welcome to ask questions or share problems using the comments section (below).