A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data so that it can be accessed and
modified efficiently. Data structures are foundational to computer science and are used
in almost every software application to optimize performance and manage data
effectively.
Types of Data Structures
Data structures can be broadly categorized into two main types:
1. Primitive Data Structures
2. Non-Primitive Data Structures
Let’s explore each type in detail.
1. Primitive Data Structures
Primitive data structures are the basic types provided by programming languages. These
are the simplest forms of data used to store a single value. The main primitive data
types include:
• Integer: Used to store whole numbers.
• Float: Used to store decimal or floating-point numbers.
• Character: Used to store single characters or letters.
• Boolean: Used to store True or False values.
These types are predefined in languages and are often used to build more complex data
structures.
2. Non-Primitive Data Structures
Non-primitive data structures are more complex and can store multiple values or a
combination of values. They are categorized into Linear and Non-Linear data
structures.
A. Linear Data Structures
Linear data structures organize data in a sequential manner. Each element is connected
to its previous and next element, forming a single level of connection.
1. Arrays
• Definition: An array is a collection of elements, each identified by an index.
Arrays are fixed in size and store elements of the same data type.
• Example: In Python, arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] represents an array of integers.
• Use cases: Arrays are commonly used for storing collections of elements that
need to be accessed by index, such as lists of student IDs or item prices.
2. Linked Lists
• Definition: A linked list consists of a series of nodes, each containing data and
a reference (or pointer) to the next node. Unlike arrays, linked lists can
dynamically grow or shrink in size.
• Types:
o Singly Linked List: Nodes point to the next node only.
o Doubly Linked List: Nodes have pointers to both the previous and next
nodes.
o Circular Linked List: The last node points back to the first node.
• Use cases: Linked lists are useful in situations where frequent insertion and
deletion operations are required, such as task scheduling.
3. Stacks
• Definition: A stack is a collection of elements with a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO)
ordering, where the last element added is the first to be removed.
• Basic Operations:
o Push: Add an element to the top.
o Pop: Remove an element from the top.
• Use cases: Stacks are commonly used in recursion, parsing expressions, and
browser backtracking features.
4. Queues
• Definition: A queue is a collection of elements with a First-In-First-Out (FIFO)
ordering, where the first element added is the first to be removed.
• Types:
o Simple Queue: Basic FIFO structure.
o Circular Queue: Connects the end of the queue back to the start.
o Priority Queue: Elements are removed based on priority, not just order.
o Double-ended Queue (Deque): Elements can be added or removed from
both ends.
• Use cases: Queues are ideal for situations like printer job management,
customer service queues, and CPU task scheduling.
B. Non-Linear Data Structures
Non-linear data structures organize data in a hierarchical manner, where elements are
connected in multiple levels. They are not sequential, making them suitable for
representing complex relationships.
1. Trees
• Definition: A tree is a collection of nodes connected by edges. Each tree has a
root node and possibly multiple levels of child nodes, forming a hierarchy.
• Types:
o Binary Tree: Each node has a maximum of two children.
o Binary Search Tree (BST): A binary tree where left children are smaller,
and right children are larger than the parent.
o AVL Tree: A self-balancing binary search tree.
o Heap: A complete binary tree used for priority-based applications.
o Trie: A tree used for efficient retrieval of strings, commonly in dictionaries.
• Use cases: Trees are used in file systems, databases, and organizational
structures, and for implementing efficient search operations (e.g., BST).
2. Graphs
• Definition: A graph is a collection of nodes (or vertices) connected by edges,
which represent relationships between pairs of nodes. Graphs can be directed or
undirected.
• Types:
o Directed Graph (Digraph): Edges have directions.
o Undirected Graph: Edges have no direction.
o Weighted Graph: Edges have weights representing distances or costs.
• Use cases: Graphs are used to model networks, such as social networks,
computer networks, and routes in GPS navigation.
