Question

Suppose i have a software program which uses an inefficient data structure. Now how can i make it efficient. it seems that we should simply change the data structure but its not the case in reality. according to my point of view the whole software needs to be changed.
what is your point of view?

Answer 1

The question might be a bit too vague for us to give a precise answer, but using an “inefficient” data structure can mean :

• it’ll take more time / more CPU to access data (be it for insertions/reads/deletions)
  • which might lead to performance problems ; i.e. a slow application
  • and time is money
• it might take more time to write code that access that data structure
  • and developer’s time costs money too

Should the whole application be changed, or should it be corrected to use the “right” data structure ?

Well :

• How much would it cost to change data structure ?
• And how much would it cost to change the whole application ?
  • Including the time required to migrate data, explain users how to use the new application, …