Lesson 2 / 25

Setup and first example

Understand Setup and first example as a useful part of Time & Space Complexity (Big-O).

The essential idea

Setup and first example gives you one practical part of Time & Space Complexity (Big-O). Start by naming the input, the change, and the expected result. This mental model matters before any syntax rule.

Run a tiny experiment

Use a minimal example. Predict what changes, run it, then explain the observed result.

// Explore Setup and first example with one focused example.
value = 0
print(value)

Output:

0

Avoid this trap

Do not memorize Setup and first example in isolation. Change one value in a small example and use feedback to correct your understanding.

Quick check

Quick check: What is a good first practice for Setup and first example?

  • Run one small focused example.
  • Memorize without testing.
  • Ignore feedback.
Answer

Run one small focused example. — Small experiments reveal cause and effect.