Data Structures: Explained
What is a Data Structure?
A data structure is a way of organizing, storing, and managing data to perform operations efficiently. It provides a blueprint for how data should be stored and accessed. Data structures can be categorized into various types based on their organization and behavior.
Difference between Data and Information
Data refers to raw facts and figures, such as numbers and symbols, that lack context or meaning. Information, on the other hand, is data that has been processed, organized, and given context, making it meaningful and useful.
What is Structure?
In a broader sense, structure refers to the arrangement or organization of components to form a whole. In the context of data structures, it involves how data elements are organized, related, and manipulated within a system.
Classification of Data Structures
Primitive Data Structures
Primitive data structures are fundamental and built-in data types that are directly supported by programming languages. They are simple and represent basic values. Examples include:
- Integer: Represents whole numbers, e.g., 42
- Float: Represents decimal numbers, e.g., 3.14
- Character: Represents a single symbol or letter, e.g., 'A'
- Boolean: Represents true or false values
Non-Primitive Data Structures
Non-primitive data structures are complex and user-defined structures that can hold multiple data elements and provide more advanced functionalities. They include:
- Array: A collection of elements of the same data type, e.g., [1, 2, 3]
- Linked List: A series of connected nodes, e.g., 1 -> 2 -> 3
- Stack: A Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) structure, e.g., push and pop operations
- Queue: A First-In-First-Out (FIFO) structure, e.g., enqueue and dequeue operations
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