Data structure

Data Structure is a specialized format for organizing, processing, retrieving and storing data. While there are several basic and advanced structure types, any data structure is designed to arrange data to suit a specific purpose so that it can be accessed and worked with in appropriate ways. In computer programming, a data structure may be selected or designed to store data for the purpose of working on it with various algorithms.

Types of Data Structures

There are two fundamental kinds of data structure: Linear data structure and Non-linear data structure.

Linear Data Structure

A data structure is called linear if all of its elements are arranged in the sequential order. In these types of data structures, the elements are placed adjacent. Examples of linear data structure include:

• Array
• Linked List
• Stack
• Queue

Non-Linear Data Structure

A data structure is called non-linear if traversal of nodes is non-linear in nature. Non-linear data structures have more than one level. Examples of non-linear data structure include:

• Tree
• Graph
• Heap

Applications of Data Structures

Data structures are essential in almost every aspect where data is involved. In general, algorithms that involve efficient data structure is applied in the following areas:

• Compiler Design
• Operating System
• Database Management System
• Statistical analysis package
• Numerical Analysis
• Graphics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Simulation

See Also

• Algorithm
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science

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