Data Structures Overview
Definition:
A data structure is a systematic way of organizing and storing data to enable efficient access and
modification.
Common Types:
Arrays: Fixed-size, indexed collections.
Linked Lists: Sequential elements connected by pointers.
Stacks & Queues: Linear structures following LIFO/FIFO principles.
Trees: Hierarchical structures used for searching and sorting.
Graphs: Sets of nodes and edges for representing networks.
Why Important:
Data structures directly influence an algorithm’s efficiency. For example, a hash table offers
near-constant-time lookups, whereas a linked list does not.
Applications:
Used in compilers, operating systems, AI pathfinding, and database indexing.