Data structures are fundamental tools in computer science that allow efficient storage and access to data. They are used to organize and manage data in a way that supports various operations like searching, sorting, and inserting.
Types of Data Structures
- Arrays: A collection of elements stored in contiguous memory locations.
- Linked Lists: A linear collection of data elements, each pointing to the next element, forming a chain.
- Stacks: A Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) data structure.
- Queues: A First-In-First-Out (FIFO) data structure.
- Trees: A hierarchical structure consisting of nodes.
- Graphs: A collection of nodes (vertices) and edges connecting these nodes.
Why Use Data Structures?
- Efficiency: Data structures can optimize the performance of algorithms.
- Data Organization: They help in organizing data in a structured manner.
- Scalability: They allow for handling large amounts of data efficiently.
Image: Array Representation
Expand Your Knowledge
For more information on data structures, you can explore our Introduction to Algorithms page.