Overview:
A data structure is a method of organizing data in a computer so that it may be efficiently used. A data structure is a collection of data pieces that provide an efficient method of storing and arranging data in a computer so that it may be used effectively. Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, and other Data Structures are examples. Data Structures are employed in practically every element of computer science, including operating systems, compiler design, artificial intelligence, graphics, and many more applications.
Data Structures are an important aspect of many computer science algorithms because they allow programmers to efficiently handle data. It is critical to improving the performance of a software or program because the software’s primary duty is to save and retrieve user data as quickly as feasible.
Data Structures Types:
Data structures are divided into two categories:
• Primitive Data structure
• Non-Primitive Data structure
Primitive Data structure:
Primitive data types are primitive data structures. The primitive data structures that may hold a single value are the int, char, float, double, and pointer.
Non-Primitive Data structure:
There are two types of non-primitive data structures:
Linear data structure:
A linear data structure is a method of arranging data in a sequential order. Arrays, linked lists, Stacks, and Queues are the data structures used for this. In these data structures, each element is linearly coupled to only one other element.
Non-linear data structure:
A non-linear data structure is one in which one element is related to ‘n’ number of other components. Trees and graphs are the finest examples. The elements are placed in a random order in this scenario.
Data structures can also be classified as:
- Static data structure:
It’s a data structure in which the size is determined at compile time. As a result, the maximum size is set.
- Dynamic data structure:
It’s a data structure in which the size is determined at compile time. As a result, the maximum size is set.
Advantages of data structure:
The following are some of the reasons why data structures are so important.
- They allow for faster processing times. Large volumes of data necessitate faster processing, and data structures aid in the organization of data into forms that are easier to manipulate and handle.
- They make it easy to find information. Data structures organize data into usable formats that make it easier to conduct necessary searches.
- They can be reused. A data structure can be utilized everywhere after it has been implemented. It is not necessary to construct a new structure. This feature helps you save time and money.
- They make it simple to deal with a large number of requests. A database is rarely accessed by a single person. Instead, hundreds, if not thousands, of people are likely to search and interact with a database. Users don’t have to search every item because data structures organize information so that they can quickly find the information they need.