Algorithms and Data Structures in PHP. A Practical Guide

The book "Algorithms and Data Structures in PHP" is a practical guide that will help you master the fundamental concepts of computer science using one of the most popular web development languages. Unlike abstract textbooks, this book offers concrete implementations and examples in PHP that you can immediately apply in your projects.

What is this book about?

The book covers a full range of topics — from basic data structures to complex algorithms:

• Arrays, Lists, and Stack. Learn how to efficiently work with data collections, implement a stack and queue in PHP.
• Linked Lists and Trees. Discover how to build singly and doubly linked lists, binary search trees, and balanced trees (AVL).
• Hash Tables and Dictionaries. Understand how associative arrays work under the hood in PHP, and how to implement your own hash function.
• Sorting Algorithms. Explore bubble sort, quick sort, merge sort, and other algorithms with ready-made implementations.
• Search and Graphs. BFS, DFS, shortest path finding, and working with graphs in PHP.
• Dynamic Programming. Solving classic problems: the knapsack problem, finding the longest common subsequence, and others.
• Complexity Analysis. Learn to analyze Big O and choose optimal solutions.

Who is this book for?

• Junior and Middle PHP Developers who want to deepen their knowledge and write more efficient code.
• Backend Developers preparing for technical interviews at large companies.
• Students and Beginner Programmers learning PHP and wanting to understand how algorithms work "under the hood".
• Experienced Developers who want to systematize their knowledge and discover new approaches.

What will you learn?

After reading the book, you will be able to:

• Implement any data structures in PHP from scratch.
• Choose the right algorithm for a specific task and optimize existing code.
• Confidently pass technical interviews by solving algorithm problems.
• Write code that runs faster and consumes less memory.
• Understand the inner workings of standard PHP functions (e.g., array sorting).
• Apply design patterns together with algorithms to create flexible solutions.

Each chapter contains code examples that you can run and test immediately. The book is written in accessible language and does not require deep mathematical knowledge — only a basic knowledge of PHP and a desire to understand the topic.

"Algorithms and Data Structures in PHP" is not just theory, but a tool that will make you a stronger and more sought-after developer. Start your journey to mastery today!