Data structures are used to organize, store, and manage data efficiently. They are classified into two main types:
- Linear Data Structures: Elements are arranged sequentially. Examples include Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues.
- Applications: Memory management, expression evaluation, task scheduling.
- Non-Linear Data Structures: Elements are arranged hierarchically or graphically. Examples include Trees and Graphs.
- Applications: Databases, network routing, file systems.
Key Applications:
- Arrays: Storing fixed-size data collections.
- Stacks: Backtracking, undo operations.
- Trees: Hierarchical data like XML/HTML.
- Graphs: Social networks, shortest paths.
Choosing the right structure enhances performance and efficiency.