Scribd
Upload
13 views3 pages

Understanding Stacks - The LIFO Data Structure

A stack is a linear data structure that operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle, allowing operations only at the top. It can be implemented using arrays or linked lists and is commonly used in function call management, undo mechanisms, and expression evaluation. Stacks differ from queues, which operate on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis.

Uploaded by

rupamjanawork
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views3 pages

Understanding Stacks - The LIFO Data Structure

A stack is a linear data structure that operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle, allowing operations only at the top. It can be implemented using arrays or linked lists and is commonly used in function call management, undo mechanisms, and expression evaluation. Stacks differ from queues, which operate on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis.

Uploaded by

rupamjanawork
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Understanding Stacks: The LIFO Data Structure

A stack is a fundamental linear data structure in computer science, operating on the principle of Last In,
First Out (LIFO). This means that the last element added to the stack is the first one to be removed, much
like a stack of plates where you add and remove from the top only[1][2][3].

How Does a Stack Work?

A stack allows operations at only one end, known as the "top." The two primary operations are:

• Push: Adds an element to the top of the stack.

• Pop: Removes the element from the top of the stack[1][4][5].

Additional common operations include:

• Peek/Top: Returns the top element without removing it.

• isEmpty: Checks if the stack is empty.

• isFull: Checks if the stack is full (in case of a fixed-size stack)[4][6][5].

Stack Implementation

Stacks can be implemented in two main ways:

• Using Arrays: The stack is represented as an array with a pointer (top) indicating the current top
element. This approach is simple but may have a fixed size unless a dynamic array is used[7][4][3][6].

• Using Linked Lists: Each node contains data and a reference to the next node. The head of the list
represents the top of the stack. This allows dynamic resizing and efficient memory usage[7][4][3][6].

Both implementations provide constant time (O(1)) for push and pop operations[4].

Real-World Analogies

• Stack of Plates: You can only add or remove the top plate.
• Browser History: The back button uses a stack to track visited pages; the most recent page is the
first to be popped when you go back[5].

Applications of Stacks

Stacks are widely used in various computing scenarios, including:

• Function Call Management: The call stack keeps track of active functions in programming
languages.

• Undo Mechanisms: Many applications use stacks to implement undo features.

• Expression Evaluation and Syntax Parsing: Used in compilers for parsing expressions and
checking for balanced parentheses.

• Backtracking Algorithms: Such as maze solving or navigating decision trees[1][5].

Stack vs. Queue

Feature Stack (LIFO) Queue (FIFO)

Insertion/Removal End Top Rear (insertion), Front (removal)

Order of Processing Last In, First Out First In, First Out

Real-World Analogy Stack of plates Line at a ticket counter

Key Operations Push, Pop Enqueue, Dequeue

While stacks process the most recently added data first, queues process data in the order it
arrives[8][5][9][10].

Conclusion

Stacks are essential for managing data with LIFO access patterns. Their simplicity, efficiency, and
versatility make them a go-to solution for problems requiring last-in, first-out logic, from function calls to
undo features and beyond. Mastering stacks is a key step for anyone learning data structures and
algorithms.
⁂

1. https://byjus.com/gate/stack-and-its-applications/

2. https://www.programiz.com/dsa/stack

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stack_(abstract_data_type)

4. https://www.scholarhat.com/tutorial/datastructures/stack-data-structure-operations-implementation

5. https://www.shiksha.com/online-courses/articles/difference-between-stack-and-queue/

6. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/data_structures_algorithms/stack_algorithm.htm

7. https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/data-structure-tutorial/stacks-in-data-structures

8. https://testbook.com/gate/difference-stack-and-queue-data-structures

9. https://www.scaler.in/difference-between-stack-and-queue-data-structures/

10. https://byjus.com/gate/difference-stack-and-queue-data-structures/

You might also like