What is Data Structure in "C"

 

What are Data Structures?

Data structure is a storage that is used to store and organize data. It is a way of arranging data on a computer so that it can be accessed and updated efficiently.

Depending on your requirement and project, it is important to choose the right data structure for your project. For example, if you want to store data sequentially in the memory, then you can go for the Array data structure.

Types of Data Structure

Basically, data structures are divided into two categories:

• Linear data structure
• Non-linear data structure

Linear data structures

In linear data structures, the elements are arranged in sequence one after the other. Since elements are arranged in particular order, they are easy to implement.

However, when the complexity of the program increases, the linear data structures might not be the best choice because of operational complexities.

Popular linear data structures are:

1. Array Data Structure

In an array, elements in memory are arranged in continuous memory. All the elements of an array are of the same type. And, the type of elements that can be stored in the form of arrays is determined by the programming language.

To learn more, visit Java Array.

An array with each element represented by an index

2. Stack Data Structure

In stack data structure, elements are stored in the LIFO principle. That is, the last element stored in a stack will be removed first.

It works just like a pile of plates where the last plate kept on the pile will be removed first. To learn more, visit Stack Data Structure.

In a stack, operations can be perform only from one end (top here).

3. Queue Data Structure

Unlike stack, the queue data structure works in the FIFO principle where first element stored in the queue will be removed first.

It works just like a queue of people in the ticket counter where first person on the queue will get the ticket first. To learn more, visit Queue Data Structure.
 

In a queue, addition and removal are performed from separate ends.

4. Linked List Data Structure

In linked list data structure, data elements are connected through a series of nodes. And, each node contains the data items and address to the next node.

To learn more, visit Linked List Data Structure.
 

A linked list

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Non linear data structures

Unlike linear data structures, elements in non-linear data structures are not in any sequence. Instead they are arranged in a hierarchical manner where one element will be connected to one or more elements.

Non-linear data structures are further divided into graph and tree based data structures.

1. Graph Data Structure

In graph data structure, each node is called vertex and each vertex is connected to other vertices through edges.

To learn more, visit Graph Data Structure.

Graph data structure example