Types of Data Structures

As a professional in a data-driven field, you can use data structures to manage data so it can be
efficiently searched, manipulated, and interpreted. By choosing the right data structure, you can change
how you store and process data, greatly enhancing the type of operations you can perform with it.

Use this lesson to explore the basics of data structures and how to choose the right one to improve your
performance and efficiency with data-related tasks. You can also learn about different roles that use data
structures and their average salaries.

What are data structures?

Data structures represent the organization and storage of data within computers. You can arrange your
data in many ways (using different types of mathematical models), each of which organizes and stores it
in a unique format within your computer’s memory. Your choice will affect how fast and easily you can
perform tasks with the data. For example, if you need to search through sorted data quickly, you need a
data structure that keeps data in order. When choosing a data structure, think about three things:

1. How do you want to arrange your data?

2. Do you need a way to locate different pieces quickly, such as a data index?

3. Which operations do you need to edit your data? Examples include adding, finding, changing, or
deleting it.

The design of any program that deals with data starts with picking the right data structure. Each type of
data structure must make certain trade-offs, balancing memory, speed, and function. When choosing a
data structure, consider what your highest priority is.

What are data structures used for?

Data structures are fundamental to computer science and data science. They are behind the scenes in
many types of systems, from databases and websites to apps that use machine learning. Essentially, any
program that handles data relies on data structures to work efficiently and effectively.

Professionals in computer science fields use data structures to store and manage large volumes of data
for a wide variety of tasks. Depending on your need, you might choose data structures suited for tasks
such as:

 Sorting information

 Stacking information in order of importance

 Storing data effectively during latent periods

 Representing structural relationships of data

 Assessing graphical representations of data networks

 Building association arrays

  Removing and inserting information quickly

Types of data structures

Data structures can be divided into several types, including linear and nonlinear structures. Within each
type, subtypes suit different purposes and provide unique ways of arranging and linking data.

1. Linear data structures

Linear data structures organize data in sequence, with each element arranged on a single level and
connected to elements on either side. In these structures, you perform operations such as insertion or
deletion in a linear sequence.

2. Linked lists

A linked list is a sequence of elements where each one contains reference information for the element
next to it. With linked lists, you can efficiently insert and delete elements, easily adjusting the size of
your list.

3. Arrays

An array is a group of data elements arranged in adjacent memory locations. The index gives the direct
address of each element, making arrays a highly efficient data structure for accessing different data
pieces. Arrays are common across computer science functions as a convenient way to store accessible
data.

4. Stacks

Stack structures follow the last in, first out (LIFO) principle. The addition (push) and removal (pop) of
elements happen only at one end, referred to as the top of the stack. For example, if you enter a new
element, it appears on top. This element addition is a “push,” as it pushes all the previous elements
down. If you then remove the elements, this is a “pop.” One of the most common uses of this algorithm
is the “undo” function in text editors.

5. Queue

A queue structure uses the first in, first out (FIFO) principle, meaning that you add elements from the
back (enqueue) and remove them from the front (dequeue).

6. Nonlinear data structures

Nonlinear data structures do not organize data sequentially. Instead, they form a hierarchical
arrangement where one element connects to one or more elements, leading to a branching structure.

7. Graphs

Graphs are fundamental types of nonlinear data structures. A graph is a collection of nodes connected
by edges. It can represent networks, such as social networks or transportation systems. However, graphs
are often chosen to represent networks of information, such as social media relationships or
geographical maps.

8. Trees

A tree is a graph structure with a hierarchy of nodes. The top node is the “root,” and the descendants of
this node are “children.” Nodes with no children are “leaves.” You can use trees in various applications,
including hierarchical data representation, databases, and searching algorithms.

9. Binary trees

Binary trees are a type of tree where nodes have zero to two children. Binary trees are widely used in
searching and sorting algorithms, as well as building more complex structures like binary search trees
(BSTs), where each node follows a specific order.

10. Tries

Another notable subset of trees is the “trie,” a tree algorithm designed for text data. It is usually used for
applications such as spell-checking, finding words in a dictionary, or keyword prediction.

Who uses data structures?

Data structures form the foundation of many computing tasks, including computer networking,
computer programming, and data analysis. If you work in an industry that deals with data, you could
benefit from a better understanding of data structures. The following careers are top choices for people
who want to work in a data-driven profession.

1. Data scientists
Average annual base salary (US): $129,794

Data scientists work in many industries and often perform tasks related to data mining, management,
storage, and processing. To succeed in this career, you'll need a strong foundation in qualitative and
quantitative data analysis, as one of your main job responsibilities will be to extract insights from your
data.

2. Business analysts
Average annual base salary (US): $87,858

As a business analyst, you will perform many of the tasks of a data analyst—such as collecting and
analyzing data—in a business context. You will take data and build specific types of models to represent
the story of the data, using these insights to help businesses make data-driven decisions.

3. Software engineers
Average annual base salary (US): $119,063
Software engineers combine software development with engineering principles. They support all stages
of building software systems. To be in this position, you’ll need to understand computer science
principles and their practical application, including data structures and algorithms.

4. Software developers
Average annual base salary (US): $106,054

Software developers use data structures extensively to solve problems by designing software solutions.
Understanding data structures allows you to choose the most appropriate data handling methods for
your projects as a software developer, directly impacting the performance of software applications.