Introduction to Data Structures
A data structure is a way of organizing, managing, and storing data in a computer so that it can be
accessed and modified efficiently. They provide a means to manage large amounts of data for
various applications like databases, operating systems, and more.
Classification of Data Structures
Data structures are broadly classified into two categories: 1. Linear Data Structures: Elements are
arranged sequentially (e.g., Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues). 2. Non-Linear Data Structures:
Elements are arranged hierarchically or in a graph (e.g., Trees, Graphs).
Common Data Structures
1. Array: A collection of elements identified by index. 2. Linked List: A sequence of nodes, each
containing data and a pointer to the next node. 3. Stack: Follows LIFO (Last In First Out) principle.
4. Queue: Follows FIFO (First In First Out) principle. 5. Tree: A hierarchical structure with a root and
sub-nodes. 6. Graph: A set of nodes connected by edges. 7. Hashing: Provides fast access using
key-value mapping.
Operations on Data Structures
Common operations include: 1. Traversal – Accessing each data element once. 2. Insertion –
Adding a new element. 3. Deletion – Removing an element. 4. Searching – Finding the location of
an element. 5. Sorting – Arranging data in a particular order.
Applications of Data Structures
1. Arrays – Used in implementing databases and matrix operations. 2. Linked Lists – Useful in
dynamic memory allocation. 3. Stacks – Used in expression evaluation, recursion. 4. Queues –
Useful in scheduling, resource management. 5. Trees – Used in databases (B-trees), file systems.
6. Graphs – Used in networking, shortest path algorithms. 7. Hashing – Used in indexing, password
storage.
