Interactive Workbook Guide

1 Launching via Google Colab (Recommended)

Google Colab runs entirely in your web browser. You do not need to install Python, Jupyter, or Git on your machine.

Step 1: Open the Notebook

Click the golden "Open in Google Colab" button at the top of this page or inside the GitHub repository.

Step 2: How to Run Code

• Click inside any code cell to select it.
• Press Shift + Enter to execute the active cell and advance to the next one.
• Or click the circular ▶ Play icon on the left border of the cell.

Step 3: Solving & Testing

Each problem has two cells: your starter template and an automated test suite. Replace the pass keyword with your code and run the test cell below it:

def contains_duplicate(nums: list[int]) -> bool:
    seen = set()
    for num in nums:
        if num in seen:
            return True
        seen.add(num)
    return False

When you run the test cell and see [PASS] All tests passed!, your solution is verified!

2 Running Locally with VS Code & Python

If you prefer an offline development environment on your laptop:

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/evecount/algorithmic-thinking-starter.git
cd algorithmic-thinking-starter

2. Run the Benchmark Test Suite

python solutions.py

3. Open in VS Code

code .

Open notebooks/interactive_workbook.ipynb. VS Code will prompt you to install the Python/Jupyter extension. Select your Python kernel in the top-right and run cells locally!

3 Visualizing with PythonTutor

If you are struggling to visualize how pointers move or how a Hash Map grows in memory:

1. Visit pythontutor.com.
2. Select Python 3.11.
3. Paste your function code and test call.
4. Click Visualize Execution and step through line-by-line to watch call frames, pointer arrows, and dictionary buckets animate in real time!

4 Common Beginner Errors & Fixes