Sprint Challenge

Setup Instructions

  1. Continue on your forked project from Sprint 14
  2. Complete the challenge requirements
  3. Submit your work through the Portal

Sprint Challenge Overview

This sprint challenge will test your knowledge of searching algorithms, recursion, and deployment concepts covered in Unit 4 Sprint 15. You'll be expected to demonstrate your understanding of these concepts through both written explanations and code implementation.

Challenge Components

  • Searching Analysis: Explain the differences between linear and binary search, including their time complexities and when to use each
  • Recursion Implementation: Implement a recursive solution to a problem and analyze its time and space complexity
  • Deployment Concepts: Demonstrate understanding of deployment pipelines, environments, and testing strategies

Preparation Tips

To prepare for this sprint challenge, make sure you understand:

Searching and Big O

  • The implementation and time complexity of linear search
  • The implementation and time complexity of binary search
  • When to use linear search vs. binary search
  • How data structure choice affects search algorithm performance
  • Big O notation and how to analyze algorithm efficiency

Recursion

  • Base cases and recursive cases in recursion
  • Converting between recursive and iterative solutions
  • Common recursive algorithms (factorial, Fibonacci, etc.)
  • Stack usage in recursive functions
  • Advantages and disadvantages of recursion

Deployment

  • Stages in a deployment pipeline
  • Differences between deployment environments (Dev, Beta, Gamma, Production)
  • CI/CD principles and benefits
  • Types of tests in a deployment pipeline
  • Deployment strategies for minimizing risk

Assessment Structure

The sprint challenge will consist of:

  • Written Questions: Explain concepts related to searching, recursion, and deployment
  • Coding Challenges: Implement algorithms and demonstrate understanding through code
  • Analysis Tasks: Analyze the efficiency and applicability of different algorithms and approaches

Success Criteria

Your sprint challenge submission will be evaluated based on:

  • Correctness of implemented algorithms
  • Accuracy of Big O analysis
  • Quality of written explanations for concepts
  • Code organization and documentation
  • Demonstrated understanding of deployment concepts

Remember to test your code thoroughly and provide clear explanations for your analysis and decision-making process.

Important Notes

  • Manage your time wisely - allocate sufficient time for each section
  • If you get stuck on a particular problem, move on and come back to it later
  • Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the core concepts
  • Review your module notes and exercises from this sprint
  • Submit your work before the deadline