Overview of Basic Data Structures Lec1
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Sonal BalpandeOverview of Basic Data Structures Lec1
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Sonal BalpandeOverview of Basic Data
Structures
Data structures are essential for organizing data
efficiently, forming the backbone of algorithms and
software. They optimize data access and modification,
significantly improving program performance.
Arrays: Sequential Collections
Contiguous Memory Direct Access (O(1)) Image Data Storage
Elements stored side-by-side in Retrieve elements instantly by Ideal for structured, fixed-
memory. index. size data like pixels.
Stacks: Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)
Push
Add element to top.
Pop
Remove element from top.
Peek
View top element.
Undo/Redo
Reversing actions in applications.
Stacks operate on a LIFO principle, similar to a pile of plates where the last one added is the first one re
Queues: First-In, First-Out (FIFO)
Enqueue (Add) Dequeue (Remove)
Elements join at the rear. Elements leave from the front.
Printer Spooling CPU Task Scheduling
Managing print jobs in order. Processing tasks in arrival order.
Linked Lists: Dynamic Connections
Linked lists consist of nodes, each containing data and a pointer to
the next node. This allows for dynamic sizing and non-contiguous
memory allocation.
Dynamic Size
Grows and shrinks as needed.
Efficient Insertion/Deletion
Fast modifications (O(1)) once location is known.
Trees: Hierarchical Structures
Trees are non-linear data structures,
arranging elements hierarchically without
cycles. Key for efficient search,
insertion, and deletion operations.
• Binary Trees: Max two children per node
• Binary Search Trees: Sorted structure for quick search
• AVL/Red-Black Trees: Self-balancing for optimal performance
Choosing the Right Data Structure
Performance Memory Footprint
Analyze time and space complexity (Big O notation).
Evaluate storage requirements.
Flexibility Problem Domain
Consider dynamic sizing needs vs. fixed-size Match structure properties to application requirements
constraints.
For example, Hash Tables offer average O(1) access, but may use more memory.
Conclusion:
Foundations of
Computing
• Data structures are fundamental building blocks for algorithms.
• Understanding them enables efficient software design.
• Mastery comes from continuous learning and application.
• These structures underpin complex global systems.