DATA STRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS (BCS304)

Module 2-Queues & Linked Lists

QUEUES: Queues, Circular Queues,
Using Dynamic Arrays, Multiple Stacks
and queues.
Module 2 Syllabus LINKED LISTS : Singly Linked, Lists
and Chains, Representing Chains in C,
Linked
Stacks and Queues, Polynomials

Handouts for Session 9: Queues

2.1 QUEUES
“A queue is an ordered list in which insertions (additions, pushes) and deletions
(removals and pops) take place at different ends”. The end at which new elements are
added is called the rear, and that from which old elements are deleted is called the front.
If the elements are inserted A, B, C, D and
E in this order, then A is the first element
deleted from the queue. Since the first
element inserted into a queue is the first
element removed, queues are also known
as First-In-First-Out (FIFO) lists.

2.1.1 Array Representation of Queues

Queues can be easily represented using
linear arrays. As stated earlier every queue
has front and rear variables that point to the
position from where deletions and
insertions can be done, respectively. Fig. 2.1: Array Representation of a Queue

The array representation of a queue is shown in Fig. 2.1.Queues may be represented by

one-way lists or linear arrays and it will be maintained by a linear array QUEUE and two
pointer variables:

• FRONT-containing the location of the front element of the queue.

• REAR-containing the location of the rear element of the queue.
The condition FRONT = NULL will indicate that the queue is empty.

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2.1.2 Queue Operations

Fig. 2.2: Example for Insertion and Deletion from Stack

• enqueue() − add (store) an item to the queue from front end.

• dequeue() − remove (access) an item from the queue from rear end.
• isfull() / overflow− Checks if the queue is full. If queue is full and if we try to insert
one more element, then overflow occurs.
• isempty() /underflow− Checks if the queue is empty.If queue is empty and if we try
to remove one more element, then underflow occurs.
i)Queue Create
The maximum number of elements that can be entered into queue can be defined as:
#define MAX 5
Since queue is an array, we can declare it as:
int q[MAX];
The variables ‘front’ and ‘rear’ are associated with q and holds the index of 1st element
and index of rear element. Initially, front is initialized to -1 and rear to -1. When an item
is to be inserted into queue, increment rear by 1 and insert item to that position where rear
is pointed.
int front = -1, rear = -1;

ii) Queue Insert and Overflow

When we want to add elements in to the queue the first step is to check for the overflow
condition. Next we check whether queue is empty, incase if the queue is empty we set
front and rear both equal to 0,so that new value can be stored at 0th location. Otherwise, if
the queue already has some values, then rear is incremented so that it points to the next
location in the array. The algorithm to insert an element into the queue is stated below in
the figure 2.3.

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Fig. 2.3: Algorithm to insert an element in a queue

Example:
Elements 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 i entered into queue as in Fig. 2.4.

Fig. 2.4: Queue Insert

Program code for insert queue operation

void insert() { printf("Inset the element
int item; in queue : ");
if (rear == MAX - 1) { scanf("%d", &item);
printf("Queue Overflow rear = rear + 1;
n"); q[rear] = item;
return; }
}

iii) Queue Delete and Underflow

In Step 1, we check for underflow condition. An underflow occurs if FRONT = –1 or
FRONT > REAR. However, if queue has some values, then FRONT is incremented so
that it now points to the next value in the queue. The algorithm to delete an element from
the queue is stated below in the figure 2.5.

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Fig. 2.5: Algorithm to delete an element from the queue

Example:
Initially, rear points to -1. So when queue is empty, rear should point to -1 and front
should point to 0 (Fig 2.6(a)). Elements are deleted from the front end. For example,
delete 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 from the queue in the fig. 2.4 will result in the queue in the
fig.2.6(b). When front>rear it results empty queue. Hence we need to make the initial
condition as front=0 and rear = -1 when front>rear.

Fig. 2.6(a): Empty Queue

Fig.2.6(b): Delete from Queue

Program code for delete queue operation

void delete() {
int item;
if (front > rear) {
printf("Queue underflow n");
return;

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}
item = q[front];
printf("deleted element is:%d ", item);
front++;
if (front > rear) {
front = 0;
rear = -1;
}
}
iv) Queue Display
If queue is having some items, then it should be displayed one after the other. If there is
no item, then it should display error message.
Case – 1: if the queue is empty then
if(front>rear)
{ printf(“Queue is empty”);
return;
}
Case – 2: if the queue is having some
items, then
for(i=front;i<rear;i++)
printf(“%d\t”,q[i]); Fig.2.7. Queue with items

Algorithm for display queue operation

Step 1 − Check if the queue is empty.
Step 2 − If the queue is empty, produce empty queue error and exit.
Step 3 − If the queue is not empty, display from front to rear.
Program code for display queue operation
void display() {
int i;
if (front > rear) {
printf(“Queue is empty”);
return;
}
printf(“ The elements of queue are :\n”);

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for (i = front; i < rear; i++) printf(“% d\t”, q[i]);

}

Questions
1.Define Queue.
2.List Queue Operations.
3.What is the Overflow condition of Queue.
4. What is the Underflow condition of Queue.

Handouts for Session 10: Circular Queues

2.2 Circular Queues
• A circular queue in C stores the data in a very practical manner.
It is a linear data structure. It is very similar to the queue. The
only difference is that the last node is connected back to the first
node. Thus it is called a circular queue. Circular Queue is also
called ring Buffer.
• “A circular queue is a linear data structure in which the operations are performed
based on FIFO (First In First Out) principle and the last position is connected back
to the first position to make a circle.”
• In a normal Queue Data Structure, we can insert elements until queue becomes
full. But once the queue becomes full, we cannot insert the next element until all
the elements are deleted from the queue. For example, consider the queue in the
Fig. 2.8(a).Now consider the Fig.2.8 (b), the situation after deleting three elements
from the queue. This situation also says that Queue is full and we cannot insert the
new element because 'rear' is still at last position. In the above situation, even
though we have empty positions in the queue we cannot make use of them to
insert the new element. This is the major problem in a normal queue data
structure. To overcome this problem we use a circular queue data structure.
• When the array is viewed as a circle, each array position has a next and a previous
position. The position next to position MAX-1 is 0,and the position that precedes
0 is MAX-1,the next element is put into position 0.
• To work with the circular queue, we must be able to move the variables front and
rear from their current position to the next position(clockwise).

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• If front =-1 and rear =-1 we cannot distinguish between queue empty and
queuefull. To avoid this confusion we set front=0 and rear =0 in circular queue.

Fig. 2.8: Example for Normal Queue

Different operations of circular Queue.

1. Create Circular Queue
We have to define the maximum size of
circular queue.
#define MAX 3
Initially both the front and rear points to
0 in a circular queue.
int front=0, rear=0;
Declare a queue array of size MAX as:
int q[MAX];

Fig. 2.9: Empty Circular Queue

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2. Insert and Overflow in Circular Queue

In a circular queue, the new element is always inserted at rear position. Suppose we want to
insert element 10, 20, 30 to the circular queue in the Fig. 2.9. When front = 0. Fig.2.10
shows the step by step procedure to insert into CQ.

Fig.2.10: Insertion Operation of Circular Queue

Insert Function
void insert() {
int item;
if (front == (rear + 1) % MAX) {
printf(“\n Circular Queue overflow”);
return;
} else {
rear = (rear + 1) % MAX;
printf(“\ n Enter the element to be inserted”);
scanf(“% d”, &item);
q[rear] = item;
}
}
3. Delete and Underflow in Circular Queue
We continue deletion of element from the last CQ got in Fig. 2.10. In a circular queue, the
element is always deleted at front position. So delete 10 first since element of q[front] is

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10.Now front should point to 1, since next element to be deleted is 20. Fig.2.11 shows the
step by step procedure to delete from CQ. When front=0 and we try to delete more items,
then queue underflow occurs.

Fig. 2.11: Deletion Operation of Circular Queue

Delete Function
void delete() {
if (front == rear) {
printf(“ Circular Queue underflow”);
return;
} else {
front = (front + 1) % MAX;
printf(“\n deleted element is % d”, q[front]);
}
}
4. Display in Circular Queue

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Fig. 2.12: Display in Circular Queue

void display() {
int i;
if (front == rear) {
printf(“circular queue is empty\n”);
} else {
printf(“\n contents of circular queue”);
for (i = (front + 1) % MAX; i != rear; i = (i + 1) % MAX)
{
printf(“% d\t”, q[i]);
}
printf(“% d\t”, q[i]);
}
}
Questions:
1.What is circular Queue.
2.Why Circular Queue is better than the linear Queue.
3.What is the initial Condition for Circular Queue.
4.What is the condition for the circular queue to be empty.
5. What is the condition for the circular queue to be overflow.

Handouts for Session 11: Circular Queues using Dynamic Arrays

2.3 Circular Queues using Dynamic Arrays
• A dynamically allocated array is used to hold the queue elements. Let capacity be the
number of positions in the array queue.
• To add an element to a full queue, first increase the size of this array using a function
realloc. As with dynamically allocated stacks, array doubling is used
• Consider the full queue of figure (a). This figure shows a queue with seven elements
in an array whose capacity is 8. A circular queue is flatten out the array as in Figure
(b). Figure (c) shows the array after array doubling by realloc

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• To get a proper circular queue configuration, slide the elements in the right segment
(i.e., elements A and B) to the right end of the array as in figure (d).
• To obtain the configuration as shown in figure (e), follow the steps
1) Create a new array newQueue of twice the capacity.
2) Copy the second segment (i.e., the elements queue [front +1] through queue
[capacity-1]) to positions in newQueue beginning at 0.
3) Copy the first segment (i.e., the elements queue [0] through queue [rear]) to
positions in newQueue beginning at capacity – front – 1.

• Below program gives the code to add to a circular queue using a dynamically
allocated array.
void addq( element item)
{
/* add an item to the queue */

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rear = (rear +1) % capacity;

if(front == rear)
queueFull( ); /* double capacity */
queue[rear] = item;
}
• Below program obtains the configuration of figure (e) and gives the code for
queueFull. The function copy (a,b,c) copies elements from locations a through b-1 to
locations beginning at c.
void queueFull() {
/* allocate an array with twice the capacity */
element *newQueue;
MALLOC(newQueue, 2 * capacity * sizeof(*queue));
/* copy from queue to newQueue */
int start = (front + 1) % capacity;
if (start < 2) /* no wrap around */
copy(queue + start, queue + start + capacity - 1, newQueue);
else {
/* queue wrap around */
copy(queue + start, queue + capacity, newQueue);
copy(queue, queue + rear + 1, newQueue + capacity - start);
}
/* switch to newQueue*/
front = 2 * capacity – 1;
rear = capacity – 2;
capacity * = 2;
free(queue);
queue = newQueue;
}
Questions:
1.What is dynamic allocated array.
2.What are the conditions to be followed to get proper circular Queue Configuration.
3.What is the flattened view of below circular queue.

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4.How Memory Allocation takes place in the Circular Queue.

Handouts for Session 12: Multiple Stacks and Queues

2.4 Mutiple Stacks
• While implementing a stack using an array, we had seen that the size of the array
must be known in advance. If the stack is allocated less space, then frequent
OVERFLOW conditions will be encountered. To deal with this problem, the code will
have to be modified to reallocate more space for the array.
• In case we allocate a large amount of space for the stack, it may result in sheer
wastage of memory. Thus, there lies a trade-off between the frequency of overflows
and the space allocated. So, a better solution to deal with this problem is to have
multiple stacks or to have more than one stack in the same array of sufficient size. In
Fig. 2.13(a) an array STACK[n] is used to represent two stacks, Stack A and Stack B.
The value of n is such that the combined size of both the stacks will never exceed n.
• While operating on these stacks, it is important to note one thing—Stack A will grow
from left to right, whereas Stack B will grow from right to left at the same time.
Extending this concept to multiple stacks, a stack can also be used to represent n
number of stacks in the same array. That is, if we have a STACK[n], then each stack I
will be allocated an equal amount of space bounded by indices b[i] and e[i]. This is
shown in Fig. 2.13(b)

Fig. 2.13(a) Multiple Stack

Fig. 2.13(b) Multiple Stack

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Example:

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2.6 Multiple Queues

• When we implement a queue using an array, the size of the array must be
known in advance. If the queue is allocated less space, then frequent overflow
conditions will be encountered. To deal with this problem, the code will have
to be modified to reallocate more space for the array. In case we allocate a
large amount of space for the queue, it will result in sheer wastage of the
memory.
• Thus, there lies a tradeoff between the frequency of overflows and the space
allocated. So a better solution to deal with this problem is to have multiple
queues or to have more than one queue in the same array of sufficient size.
Figure 2.14(a) illustrates this concept. In the figure, an array QUEUE[n] is
used to represent two queues, QUEUE A and QUEUE B.
• The value of n is such that the combined size of both the queues will never
exceed n. While operating on these queues, it is important to note one thing:
QUEUE A will grow from left to right, whereas QUEUE B will grow from
right to left at the same time. Extending the concept to multiple queues, a
queue can also be used to represent n number of queues in the same array.
That is, if we have a QUEUE[n], then each QUEUE I will be allocated an

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equal amount of space bounded by indices b[i] and e[i]. This is shown in Fig.
2.14(b)

Fig. 2.14(a) Multiple Queue

Fig. 2.14(b) Multiple Queue

Example:

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Questions
1.What is Multiple Stack.
2.What is multiple Queue.
3.How Multiple Stack grow
4.What is the condition for the multiple stack
5. How Multiple Queue grow
6.What is the condition for the multiple Queue

Handouts for Session 13: Single Linked List

2.7 Linked List
We have studied that an array is a linear collection of data elements in which the elements are
stored in consecutive memory locations. While declaring arrays, we have to specify the size
of the array, which will restrict the number of elements that the array can store. For example,
if we declare an array as int marks[10], then the array can store a maximum of 10 data
elements but not more than that.
But what if we are not sure of the number of
elements in advance? Moreover, to make
efficient use of memory, the elements must be
stored randomly at any location rather than in
consecutive locations.

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So, there must be a data structure that removes the restrictions on the maximum number
of elements and the storage condition to write efficient programs. A linked list does not
store its elements in consecutive memory locations and the user can add any number of
elements to it.
Elements in a linked list can be accessed only in a
sequential manner But like an array, insertions and
deletions can be done at any point in the list in a
constant time.There are 2 fields in linked list
1. Data
2. Link to next node
So we can write the structure of linked list as in
Fig.2.15.
Fig. 2.15: Linked List Structure

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2.5.1 Linked list Definition

A linked list (Fig.2.17), or one-way list, is a linear collection of data elements, called
nodes, where the linear order is given by means of pointers. That is, each node is divided
into two parts:
• The first part contains the information of the element, and
• The second part, called the link field or nextpointer field, contains the address of the
next node in the list.

Fig2.17: representation of linked list

2.5.2 Representation of linked lists in Memory

Let LIST be a linked list. Then LIST will be maintained in memory as follows.
1. LIST requires two linear arrays such as INFO and LINK-such that INFO[K] and
LINK[K] contains the information part and the next pointer field of a node of
LIST.
2. LIST also requires a variable name such as START which contains the location of
the beginning of the list, and a next pointer sentinel denoted by NULL-which
indicates the end of the list.
3. The subscripts of the arrays INFO and LINK will be positive, so choose NULL =
0,unless otherwise stated.
The Fig.2.17 can be represented as Fig. 2.18 which indicates that the nodes of a list need
not occupy adjacent elements in the arrays INFO and LINK, and that more than one list
may be maintained in the same linear arrays INFO and LINK. However, each list must
have its own pointer variable giving the location of its first node.

Fig. 2.18: Linked List Representation in Memory.

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Questions
1.Define Linked List.
2.How Linked list is represented.
3.What are the two fields in linked list
4.How Linked List is represented in memory

Handouts for Session 14: Representing Chains in C

2.6 Linked List Operations(Representing Chains in C)
1. Create
Initially we make ‘first’ as ‘NULL’ . When we create a new node, name it as ‘temp’ and
store the value in its data field. For example, enter 10 to linked list as in Fig.1. Now
connect the new node to ‘first’ as in Fig1. Now make ‘temp’ as ‘first’ so that we can
connect next new node to ‘first’ directly as in Fig. We can create ‘n’ number of nodes in
the same way.

Fig. 1: Create a node with insertion front.

Program code for create operation

struct node {
int data;
struct node *link;
};
struct node *first = NULL, *temp, *last;

void create() {

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printf("\n enter the no of elements to be inserted into the

list\n");
scanf("%d", &n);
for (i = 1; i <= n; i++) {
temp = (struct node *)malloc(sizeof(struct node));
printf("Enter the data to be inserted:\n");
scanf("%d", temp->data);
temp->link = NULL;
if (first == NULL)
first = temp;
else {
temp->link = first;
first = temp;
}
}
}
2.Insert to Front
It works same as create function, by inserting new node to front. Here only one node can
be inserted at a time.
Program code for insert front operation
void insert_front() {
temp = (struct node *)malloc(sizeof(struct node));
printf("Enter the data to be inserted:\n");
scanf("%d", temp->data);
temp->link = NULL;
}
if (first == NULL)
first = temp;
else {
temp->link = FIRST;
FIRST = temp;
}

3.Insert to End

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Suppose we have empty list, then first is equal to NULL. Then directly create new node
and make it as first. But suppose we have list as in Fig.1. Now if we want to perform
insert end, then new node to be attached to right side of the last node (right of 10 here).
Create a new node and name it as temp and read new data(30) to temp as in Fig.3. Check
if lastlink=NULL and if it is not equal to NULL make last=lastlink and
lastlink=NULL as in Fig.3 and then connect new node ‘temp’ to ‘lastlink’ as in
Fig.3.

Fig. 3: Insert a New Node at the End of a Linked List

Program code for insert end operation

void insert_end() {
last = first;
temp = (struct node *)malloc(sizeof(struct node));
printf("Enter the data to be inserted:\n");
scanf("%d", temp->data);
temp->link = NULL;
if (first == NULL)
first = temp;
else {
while (last->link != NULL) {

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last = last->link;
}
last->link = temp;
}
}

4.Delete from Front

Suppose if we want to delete a node from front from the Fig.3, (delete node contains data
20), then make ‘temp’ as ‘first’ and delete tempdata and make ‘templink’ as ‘first’. If
first=NULL, then that means there is no element in the list.

Fig. 4: Example Linked list for performing Delete Front

Program code for delete front operation

void delete_front() {
temp = first;
if (first == NULL)
printf(“\n list is empty”);
else {
printf(“deleted element is % d”, temp->data);
first = first->link;
free(temp);
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}
}

5.Delete from End

Suppose if we want to delete a node from the end from the Fig.5 i.e. delete node contains
data 30. If first=NULL, that means there is no element in the list. Otherwise make ‘temp’
as ‘first’ as in Fig.5. Then check if templink= NULL, if it is not equal to NULL, then
make next node as temp and Once againcheck if templink=NULL, if not, repeat the
same previous operation until templink=NULL as in Fig.5. When templink=NULL,
delete tempdata and make lastlink to point to NULL as in Fig.5.

Fig. 5: Delete a Node from the End of a Linked List

Program code for delete end operation

void delete_end() {
last = NULL;
temp = first;
if (first == NULL) // Check for empty list
printf("List is empty\n");

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else if (first->link == NULL) // // Check for single node in

SLL
{
printf("Deleted element is %d\n", temp->data);
free(first);
first = NULL;
} else {
while (temp->link != NULL) {
last = temp;
temp = temp->link;
}
last->link = NULL;
printf("Deleted element is %d\n", temp->data);
free(temp); // delete last node
}
return;
}
6.Traverse (Display) the linked list
Consider Fig. 6. Suppose if ‘first’ is equal to NULL, then no need of traversing. Directly
display that list is empty. Otherwise we need to traverse the whole list by traversing node
by node. For that make ‘first’ as ‘temp’ and start traversing from first and display the
traversed node data i.e. tempdata. Then make next node as temp for traversing next
node and so on until we reach NULL. If we want to count the number of nodes, then put
the counter. Initially set the count value to one and increment the count value after
traversing each node.

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Fig. 6: Display of a Linked List

Program code for traverse operation

void display_count() {
int count = 1;
temp = first;
printf("Student details:\n");
if (first == NULL) // check for empty list
printf("Student detail is NULL and count is 0\n");
else {
printf("\nUSN\tNAME\tBRANCH\tPHNO\tSEMESTER\n");
while (temp->link != NULL) // iterate nodes of SLL until end
node
{
count++;
printf( "\n %d”,temp->data);
temp=temp->link; // next node
}
printf( "\n %d”,temp->data);

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printf("\n node count is %d\n",count);

}
return;
}
Questions
1.State the operations of linked list.
2.How to insert a node front of the list
3.How to insert a node at the end of the list
4.How to delete a node from the front of the list
5.How to delete from the end of the list.

Handouts for Session 15: Linked stacks and queues

2.7 Linked Stacks
• We have seen how a stack is created using an array. This technique of creating a stack
is easy,but the drawback is that the array must be declared to have some fixed size.
• In case the stack is a very small one or its maximum size is known in advance, then
the array implementation of the stack gives an efficient implementation.
• But if the array size cannot be determined in advance, then the other alternative, i.e.,
linked representation, is used. The linked representation of a stack is shown in
Fig.3.9.1

Fig. 3.9.1: Linked Stack.

• The push operation is used to insert an element into the stack. The new element is
added at the topmost position of the stack. Consider the linked stack shown in Fig.
3.9.2(a). To insert an element with value 9, we first check if TOP=NULL. If this
is the case, then we allocate memory for a new node, store the value in its DATA
part and NULL in its NEXT part. The new node will then be called TOP.
However, if TOP! =NULL, then we insert the new node at the beginning of the
linked stack and name this new node as TOP. Thus, the updated stack becomes as
shown in Fig. 3.9.2(b).

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Fig. 3.9.2: Linked Stack Push Operation

• Figure 3.9.3 shows the algorithm to push an element into a linked stack. In Step 1,
memory is allocated for the new node. In Step 2, the DATA part of the new node
is initialized with the value to be stored in the node. In Step 3, we check if the new
node is the first node of the linked list. This is done by checking if TOP = NULL.
In case the IF statement valuates to true, then NULL is stored in the NEXT part of
the node and the new node is called TOP. However, if the newnode is not the first
node in the list, then it is added before the first node of the list (that is, the TOP
node) and termed as TOP.

Fig. 3.9.3: Algorithm to Insert an Element in a Linked Stack

• The pop operation is used to delete the topmost element from a stack. However,
before deleting the value, we must first check if TOP=NULL, because if this is the
case, then it means that the stack is empty and no more deletions can be done. If
an attempt is made to delete a value from a stack that is already empty, an
UNDERFLOW message is printed. Consider the stack shown in Fig. 3.9.4 (a). In
case TOP! =NULL, then we will delete the node pointed by TOP, and make TOP
point to the second element of the linked stack. Thus, the updated stack becomes
as shown in Fig. 3.9.4 (b).

Fig. 3.9.4: Linked Stack Pop Operation.

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• Figure 3.9.5 shows the algorithm to delete an element from a stack. In Step 1, we
first check for the UNDERFLOW condition. In Step 2, we use a pointer
• PTR that points to TOP. In Step 3, TOP is made to point to the next node in
sequence. In Step 4, the memory occupied by PTR is given back to the free pool.

Fig. 3.9.5: Algorithm to Delete an Element in a Linked Stack

SLL STACK PROGRAM

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct Node {
int data;
struct Node *next;
};

struct Node *top = NULL;

void push(int);
void pop();
void display();
void main() {
int choice, value;
printf("\n Stack using Linked List\n");
while (1) {
printf("\n****** MENU ******\n");
printf("1. Push\n2. Pop\n3.Display \n4.Exit\n");
printf("Enter your choice: ");
scanf("%d", &choice);
switch (choice) {
case 1:
printf("Enter the value to be insert: ");
scanf("%d", &value);
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push(value);
break;
case 2:
pop();
break;
case 3:
display();
break;
case 4:
exit(0);
break;
default:
printf("\nWrong selection!!! Please try again!!!\n");
}
}
}

void push(int value) {

struct Node *newNode;
newNode = (struct Node *)malloc(sizeof(struct Node));
newNode->data = value;
if (top == NULL)
newNode->next = NULL;
else
newNode->next = top;
top = newNode;
}

void pop() {
if (top == NULL)
printf("\nStack is overflow!!!\n");
else {
struct Node *temp = top;
printf("\nDeleted element: %d", temp->data);

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top = temp->next;
free(temp);
}
}

void display() {
if (top == NULL)
printf("\nStack is Empty!!!\n");
else {
struct Node *temp = top;
while (temp->next != NULL) {
printf("%d--->", temp->data);
temp = temp->next;
}
printf("%d--->NULL", temp->data);
}
}
2.8 Linked Queue
• We have seen how a queue is created using an array. Although this technique of
creating a queue is easy, its drawback is that the array must be declared to have
some fixed size.
• If we allocate space for 50 elements in the queue and it hardly uses 20–25
locations, then half of the space will be wasted. And in case we allocate less
memory locations for a queue that might end up growing large and large, then a lot
of re-allocations will have to be done, thereby creating a lot of overhead and
consuming a lot of time.
• In case the queue is a very small one or its maximum size is known in advance,
then the array implementation of the queue gives an efficient implementation.
But if the array size cannot be determined in advance, the other alternative ,i.e.
the linked representation is used.
• In a linked queue, every element has two parts, one that stores the data and
another which holds the address of the next element. The START pointer of the
linked list is used as FRONT. Here we will also use another pointer called REAR,
which will store the address of the last element in the queue. All insertions will be

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done at the rear end and all the deletions will be done at front end. If
FRONT=REAR=NULL, then it indicates that the queue is empty. The linked
representation of queue is shown in Fig. 3.10.1.

Fig. 3.10.1: Linked Stack.

• The insert operation is used to insert an element into the queue. The new element
is added as the last element of the queue. Consider the linked queue shown in Fig.
3.10.2 (a). To insert an element with value 9, we first check if FRONT=NULL. If
this is the case, then we allocate memory for a new node, store the value in its
DATA part and NULL in its NEXT part. The new node will then be called
FRONT and REAR. However, if FRONT! =NULL, then we insert the new node
at the rear end of the linked queue and name this new node as REAR. Thus, the
updated stack becomes as shown in Fig. 3.10.2(b).

Fig. 3.10.2: Linked Queue Insert Operation.

• Figure 3.10.3 shows the algorithm to insert an element into a linked queue. In Step
1, memory is allocated for the new node.
• In Step 2, the DATA part of the new node is initialized with the value to be stored
in the node.
• In Step 3, we check if the new node is the first node of the linked queue.
This is done by checking if FRONT = NULL. In case the new node is tagged as
FRONT and REAR. Also NULL is stored in the NEXT part of the node.
However, if the new node is not the first node in the list, then it is added at the
REAR end of the linked queue.

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Fig. 3.10.3: Algorithm to Insert an Element in a Linked Queue.

Delete Operation
• The delete operation is used to delete the element that is first inserted
• The delete operation is used to delete the element that is first inserted into the
queue. i.e. the element whose address is stored at FRONT.
• However, before deleting the value, we must first check if FRONT=NULL,
because if this is the case, then it means that the queue is empty and no more
deletions can be done. If an attempt is made to delete a value from a stack that is
already empty, an UNDERFLOW message is printed.
• Consider the stack shown in Fig. 3.10.4(a). To delete an element, we first check if
FRONT=NULL. If it is false, then we delete the 1st node pointed by the FRONT.
The FRONT will now point to the 2nd element of the linked queue. Thus the
updated queue becomes as shown in Fig. 3.10.4(b).

Fig. 3.10.4: Linked Queue Delete Operation.

• Figure 3.10.5 shows the algorithm to delete an element froma queue. In Step 1, we
first check for the UNDERFLOW condition. In Step 2, we use a pointer

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PTR that points to FRONT. In Step 3, FRONT is made to point to the next node in
sequence. In Step 4, the memory occupied by PTR is given back to the free pool.

Fig. 3.10.5: Algorithm to Delete an Element in a Linked Queue.

Example: Create a SLL queue of N Students Data.

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct Node {
char usn[20], name[10], branch[5];
unsigned long long int phno;
int sem;
struct Node *next;
};
typedef struct Node *NODE;
NODE temp, front = NULL, rear = NULL;
void insert();
void delete();
void display();
void main() {
int choice, value;

printf("\n Queue Implementation using Linked List \n");

while (1) {
printf("\n****** MENU ******\n");
printf("1. Insert\n2. Delete\n3. Display\n4. Exit\n");
printf("Enter your choice: ");
scanf("%d", &choice);
switch (choice) {
case 1:

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insert();
break;
case 2:
delete ();
break;
case 3:
display();
break;
case 4:
exit(0);
default:
printf("\nWrong selection!!! Please try
again!!!\n");
}
}
}

void insert() {
NODE newNode;
newNode = (NODE)malloc(sizeof(struct Node));
printf("Enter USN: ");
scanf("%s", newNode->usn);
printf("Enter NAME: ");
scanf("%s", newNode->name);
printf("Enter Branch: ");
scanf("%s", newNode->branch);
printf("Enter phone Number: ");
scanf("%llu", &newNode->phno);
printf("Enter Semester: ");
scanf("%d", &newNode->sem);
newNode->next = NULL;
if (front == NULL) {
front = rear = newNode;
front->next = NULL;

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rear->next = NULL;
} else {
rear->next = newNode;
rear = newNode;
rear->next = NULL;
}
printf("\nInsertion is Success!!!\n");
}

void delete() {
if (front == NULL)
printf("\nQueue is Underflow!!!\n");
else {
temp = front;
front = front->next;
printf("\nDeleted node is with usn: %s", temp->usn);

free(temp);
}
}

void display() {
if (front == NULL)
printf("\nQueue is Empty!!!\n");
else {
temp = front;
while (temp->next != NULL) {
printf("The Student information in the node is\n");
printf("\nUSN:%s\nNAME:%s\nBRANCH:%s\nPHONE
NO.:%llu\nSEM:%d\n",
temp->usn, temp->name, temp->branch, temp-
>phno, temp->sem);

temp = temp->next;

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}
printf("\nUSN:%s\nNAME:%s\nBRANCH:%s\nPHONE
NO.:%llu\nSEM:%d\n", temp->usn,
temp->name, temp->branch, temp->phno, temp->sem);
}
}
Question Bank
1.Define Linked Stack
2.Deifne Linked Queue
3.What are the operations of Linked Stack
4. What are the operations of Linked Queue

Handouts for Session 16: Polynomial

2.9 Applications of Linked lists: Polynomials
Linked lists can be used to represent polynomials and the different operations that can be
performed on them. A polynomial is a combination of coefficients and exponents. We
represent a polynomial, each term as a node containing coefficients and exponent field, as
well as a pointer to next term. The type declarations are shown in Fig. 3.11.

2.9.1 Polynomial representation

Let us see how a polynomial is represented in the memory using a linked list. Consider a
polynomial 6x3 + 9x2 + 7x + 1. Every individual term in a polynomial consists of two
parts, a coefficient and a power. Here, 6, 9, 7, and 1 are the coefficients of the terms that
have 3, 2, 1, and 0 as their powers respectively. Every term of a polynomial can be
represented as a node of the linked list. Figure 3.11.1 showsthe linked representation of
the terms of the above polynomial.

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Fig. 3.11.1: Linked Representation of a Polynomial

2.9.2 Polynomial Addition

Consider an example polynomial shown in Fig. 3.11.2. To add polynomial, we examine
their terms starting at the nodes pointed by a and b. There are three cases:

Fig. 3.11.2: Example of a Polynomial

Case 1: If the exponent of a and b are equal

Consider the Fig. 3.11.2.1(a). Here
aexp = bexp. So add the
coefficients of a and b and store the
result in the new link called ‘res’ as
in Fig. 3.11.2.1 (b).
Fig. 3.11.2.1: Polynomial Addition if aexp = bexp.

Case 2: If the exponent of a is less than exponent of b

Consider the Fig3.11.2.2 (a). Here
aexp < bexp. So copy the
coefficient and exponent of the
bigger term i.e. ‘b’ on to the new
link called ‘res’ as in Fig. 3.11.2.2
(b). Fig. 3.11.2.2: Polynomial Addition if aexp < bexp.

Case 3: If the exponent of a is greater than exponent of b

Consider the Fig. 3.11.2.3(a). Here aexp > bexp. So copy the coefficient and
exponent of the bigger term i.e. ‘a’ on to the new link called ‘res’ as in Fig. 3.11.2.3
(b).Final polynomial is shown in the Fig. 3.11.2.4.

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Fig. 3.11.2.3: Polynomial Addition if aexp > bexp

Fig. 3.11.2.4: Resultant Polynomial after Polynomial Addition.

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 DATA STRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS (BCS304)

• Program Code for polynomial addition

polyptr addpoly (polyptr a, polyptr b)
{
polyptr c, *temp;
while( a->link && b->link)
{
if( a->exp>b->exp)
{
c->exp=a->exp;
c->coef=a->coef; c->exp=a->exp;
a=a->link; c->coef=a->coef;
} a=a->link;
else if( a->exp<b->exp) }
{ if(b->link)
c->exp=b->exp; {
c->coef=b->coef; c->exp=b->exp;
b=b->link; c->coef=b->coef;
} b=b->link;
else }
{ c->link= (struct
c->exp=a->exp; poly*)malloc(sizeof(struct
c->coef=a->coef + b->coef; poly));
a=a->link; c=c->link;
b=b->link; c->link = NULL;
} }
c->link=(struct
poly*)malloc(sizeof(struct
poly));
c=c->link;
c->link = NULL;
while (a->link || b->link)
{
if(a->link)
{

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2.9.3 Circular list representation of Polynomial

Fig. 3.12 : Circular list Representation of Polynomial

The zero polynomial is represented as in Fig. 3.12 (a);while a(x) = 3x14+2x8+1 can be represented as
in Fig 3.12 (b). here link field of last node points to the 1st node in the list. So we call this a circular
linked list. To simplify the addition algorithm for polynomial represented as circular linked list, we
set coef and exp field of header node to -1. The structure can be written as in Fig. 3.12 (c).

Program Example for polynomial

#include <math.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
struct node // polynomial node
{
int coef;
int x, y, z;
struct node *link;
};
typedef struct node *NODE;

NODE getnode() // create a node

{

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NODE x;
x = (NODE)malloc(sizeof(struct node));
return x;
} // end of getnode

NODE readpoly() {
NODE temp, head, cur;
char ch;
head = getnode(); // create a head node and set all values to -1
it is
// similar to FIRST in SLL program
head->coef = -1;
head->x = -1;
head->y = -1;
head->z = -1;
head->link = head; // self reference
do {
temp = getnode(); // create a polynomial node
printf("\nEnter the coefficient and exponent in decreasing
order\n");
scanf("%d%d%d%d", &temp->coef, &temp->x, &temp->y, &temp->z);
cur = head;
while (cur->link != head) // find the last node
cur = cur->link;
cur->link = temp; // connect new node to the last node
temp->link = head; // point back to head
printf("\nDo you want to enter more coefficients(y/n)");
fflush(stdin); // to clear the stdin buffer
scanf("%c", &ch);
} while (ch == 'y' || ch == 'Y');
return head; // return the polynomial list
} // end of readpoly

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int compare(NODE a, NODE b) // function to compare the A and B

polynomial nodes
{
if (a->x > b->x)
return 1;
else if (a->x < b->x)
return -1;
else if (a->y > b->y)
return 1;
else if (a->y < b->y)
return -1;
else if (a->z > b->z)
return 1;
else if (a->z < b->z)
return -1;
return 0;
} // end of compare

void attach(int cf, int x1, int y1, int z1,

NODE *ptr) // function to attach the A and B
polynomial node to C
// Polynomial
{
NODE temp;
temp = getnode();
temp->coef = cf;
temp->x = x1;
temp->y = y1;
temp->z = z1;
(*ptr)->link = temp;
*ptr = temp;
} // end of attach

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NODE addpoly(NODE a, NODE b) // function to add polynomial A and B

i.e, C=A+B
{
NODE starta, c, lastc;
int sum, done = 0;
starta = a;
a = a->link;
b = b->link;
c = getnode(); // create list C to store A+B
c->coef = -1;
c->x = -1;
c->y = -1;
c->z = -1;
lastc = c;
do {
switch (compare(a, b)) {
case -1:
attach(b->coef, b->x, b->y, b->z, &lastc);
b = b->link;
break;
case 0:
if (starta == a)
done = 1;
else {
sum = a->coef + b->coef;
if (sum) attach(sum, a->x, a->y, a->z, &lastc);
a = a->link;
b = b->link;
}
break;
case 1:
if (starta == a) done = 1;
attach(a->coef, a->x, a->y, a->z, &lastc);

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a = a->link;
break;
}
} while (!done); // repeate until not done
lastc->link = c; // point back to head of C
return c; // return answer
}

void print(NODE ptr) // to print the polynomial

{
NODE cur;
cur = ptr->link;
while (cur != ptr) // To print from HEAD node till END node
{
printf("%d*x^%d*y^%d*z^%d", cur->coef, cur->x, cur->y, cur->z);
cur = cur->link; // move to next node
if (cur != ptr) printf(" + ");
}
} // end of print

void evaluate(NODE ptr) // function to evaluate the final

polynomial
{
int res = 0;
int x, y, z, ex, ey, ez, cof;
NODE cur;
printf("\nEnter the values of x, y,z"); // read values of X, Y
and Z
scanf("%d", &x);
scanf("%d", &y);
scanf("%d", &z);
cur = ptr->link; // start with HEAD
while (cur != ptr) // Repeat until the end of list

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 DATA STRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS (BCS304)

{
ex = cur->x; // exponent of x
ey = cur->y; // exponent of y
ez = cur->z; // exponent of z
cof = cur->coef; // coefficient
res += cof * pow(x, ex) * pow(y, ey) *
pow(z, ez); // compute result for each polynomial
cur = cur->link; // move to next node
}
printf("\nresult: %d", res);
} // end of evaluate

void main(void) {
int i, ch;
NODE a = NULL, b, c;
while (1) {
printf("\n1: Represent first polynomial A");
printf("\n2: Represent Second polynomial B");
printf("\n3: Display the polynomial A");
printf("\n4: Display the polynomial B");
printf("\n5: Add A & B polynomials"); // C=A+B
printf("\n6: Evaluate polynomial C");
printf("\n7: Exit");
printf("\n Enter your choice: ");
scanf("%d", &ch);
switch (ch) {
case 1:
printf("\nEnter the elements of the polynomial A");
a = readpoly();
break;
case 2:
printf("\nEnter the elements of the polynomial B");
b = readpoly();

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break;
case 3:
print(a); // display polynomial A
break;
case 4:
print(b); // display polynomial A
break;
case 5:
c = addpoly(a, b); // C=A+B
printf("\nThe sum of two polynomials is: ");
print(c); // display polynomial C
printf("\n");
break;
case 6:
evaluate(c); // Evaluate polynomial C
break;
case 7:
return;
default:
printf("\nInvalid choice!\n");
} // end of switch
} // end of while
} // end of main

Questions
1.What is polynomial
2.How to perform Polynomial addition
3.What are the three conditions to be followed to add Polynomial

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Question Bank
1. Give the disadvantage of ordinary queue and how it can be solved using circular queue. Explain
with suitable example, how would you implement circular queue using dynamically allocated
array
2. Write insert and delete functions of circular queue.
3. Explain multiple stacks and queues with program.
4. Define Queue. Implement the operations of queue using arrays.
5. What is circular queue? Explain how it is differ from linear queue. Write a C program for
primitive operations of circular queue
6. For the given circular queue shown in Fig. write the values of front and rear in the table after
each specified operation is performed. Queue full empty conditions must be considered. 0 - 7
indicate the array indices.

7. What is linked list? Explain the different types of linked list with examples.
8.Give a node structure to create a linked list of integers and write a C function to perform the
following.
a. Create a three-node list with data 10, 20 and 30
b. Inert a node with data value 15 in between the nodes having data values 10 and 20
c. Delete the node which is followed by a node whose data value is 20
d. Display the resulting singly linked list.
9. With node structure show how would you store the polynomials in linked lists? Write C
function for adding two polynomials represented as circular lists.
10. Write a C function to add two-polynomials represented as circular list with header node.
11. Write a C function to perform the following i. Reversing a singly linked list ii. Concatenating
singly linked list. iii. Finding the length of the circular linked list. iv. To search an element in
the singly linked list
12. Write a node structure of linked stack. Write a function to perform push and pop operations on
linked stack.
13.Write a function for singly linked lists with integer data, to search an element in the list that is

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unsorted and a list that is sorted.

14. Write a node structure of linked queue. Write a function to perform enqueue and dequeue
operations on linked stack.

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