Theoretical Computer Science Cheat Sheet
The ‘Theoretical Computer Science Cheat Sheet’ is your go-to reference for complex ideas in computer science. It condenses essential formulas, definitions, and mathematical notations into an easy-to-read guide. Whether you’re prepping for exams or brushing up on theory, this cheat sheet offers quick access to big-O notation, series, combinatorics, recurrences, and more. It’s ideal for students, educators, and anyone passionate about algorithms and computational theory.
Book Description
The Theoretical Computer Science Cheat Sheet is a compact yet powerful resource packed with essential formulas and concepts. Designed for students, educators, and self-learners in computer science, this guide covers everything from asymptotic notation to combinatorics and recurrence relations. If you’ve ever needed a quick refresher on the Master Theorem or Catalan numbers before a tough exam or coding interview, this cheat sheet is your secret weapon.
This book is especially useful for undergraduate students tackling their first theoretical computer science course. It’s also a handy tool for teachers who want to provide concise reference material to their classes. Even experienced programmers will appreciate having these core concepts at their fingertips when solving algorithmic challenges.
What You Will Learn
- The meaning and usage of big-O, little-o, and theta notations
- How to solve common recurrence relations step by step
- Key combinatorial identities and how they’re applied in algorithms
- The basics of series (harmonic, geometric) relevant to algorithm analysis
- Understanding Stirling numbers and Eulerian numbers in counting problems
- How Catalan numbers pop up in binary trees and other structures
- Quick-reference formulas for trees and binary tree properties
- Kraft’s inequality explained simply for binary trees
- Master method breakdowns with practical examples
- How generating functions can simplify complex recurrences
This cheat sheet doesn’t just throw equations at youit offers brief explanations and context. If you’re looking to master the foundations of theoretical computer science or just want a reliable study partner, this guide fits the bill.
Want to deepen your understanding of algorithmic complexity? Check out our algorithm complexity resources. Curious about how combinatorics powers modern computer science? Dive into combinatorics in computing for more insights.

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