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GP - Introduction To Data Structures

Uploaded by

Gupta Soumya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Data Structures

Definition of Data Structures


❖ Data structures are fundamental concepts in computer science that involve the
● Organization
● Storage
● Manipulation of data
❖ They provide a systematic way to store and manage information, making it
accessible and efficient to work with.
❖ Data structures are the building blocks of algorithms and play a crucial role in
software development.

Types of Data Structures


1) Linear Data Structures
2) Non-linear Data Structures

Linear Data Structures


● Linear data structures are arrangements of data elements where each element
has a unique predecessor and successor, forming a sequential order.
● The following data structures are referred to as linear data structures:

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a) Array: A linear collection of elements with indexed access for efficient
retrieval.

cc: Javatpoint
b) Linked List: Elements connected by pointers, allowing dynamic allocation
and efficient insertions/deletions.

cc: Wikipedia
c) Stack: Follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle with top-based
element manipulation.

cc: Wikipedia
d) Queue: Adheres to the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) concept, used for ordered
processing.

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cc: Wikipedia
e) Deque: Supports insertion and removal at both ends, offering enhanced
flexibility.

cc: java2novice

The Need for Linear Data Structures


● Ordered Storage: Linear data structures maintain a sequential order, which is
essential for scenarios where data must be processed sequentially or accessed in a
specific arrangement.
● Efficient Access: Direct indexing or traversal capabilities of linear structures allow for
quick and convenient access to elements.
● Insertion and Deletion: Linear structures provide efficient methods for adding and
removing elements, which is crucial for dynamic data manipulation.
● Memory Optimization: Linear structures allocate memory contiguously, optimizing
memory usage and access efficiency.

Operations on Linear Data Structures


1) Access: Retrieving elements by index, position, or pointer.
2) Insertion: Adding new elements at specific positions.
3) Deletion: Removing elements from specific positions.

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4) Traversal: Iterating through elements sequentially.
5) Search: Finding the position or existence of an element.
6) Update: Modifying the value of an element.
7) Sorting: Arranging elements in a specified order.
8) Merging: Combining two ordered linear structures.
9) Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory dynamically.

Real-world Examples of Linear Data Structure:


1) Arrays:
a) Grocery Shopping List: Managing your shopping list with each item
corresponding to an array index simplifies adding, removing, and
checking off items.
b) Image Pixels: In digital images, arrays store pixel values, allowing
manipulation and editing of pictures by altering individual pixel colors.
2) Linked Lists:
a) Music Playlist: Linked lists are suitable for creating playlists, where songs
are nodes connected in a sequence, allowing easy rearrangement and
modification.
b) Train Cars: Linked lists can represent train cars linked together, enabling
efficient addition and removal of cars without affecting the entire train.
3) Stacks:
a) Undo Feature: In software applications, stacks manage to undo
operations, enabling users to reverse actions in the order they were
performed.
b) Plate Stacking: Plates stacked on top of each other represent a
real-world example of a stack, where the last plate placed is the first one
taken.
4) Queues:
a) Cafeteria Line: Queues model waiting in line at a cafeteria, where the
first person in line is served first, maintaining order and fairness.
b) Ticket Counter: Waiting in line to purchase tickets, like at a cinema or an
event, follows the queue concept.
5) Deques (Double-Ended Queues):
a) Sliding Glass Doors: Deques are similar to sliding glass doors at
entrances, allowing people to enter or exit from both sides.
b) Printing and Scanning: Deques mimic the process of loading and
unloading papers for printing and scanning, as both ends are accessible.

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