A data structure is a way of arranging data on a computer so that it can be accessed and updated efficiently. It is a specialized format for organizing, processing, retrieving, and storing data. Data structures are not only used for organizing data, but also for processing, retrieving, and storing data. There are different basic and advanced types of data structures that are used in almost every program or software system that has been developed. The following are the types of data structures:
1. Linear Data Structures
- The elements are arranged in sequence one after the other.
- Examples include arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues.
2. Non-Linear Data Structures
- The elements are not arranged in sequence one after the other.
- Examples include trees and graphs.
Linear data structures are usually easy to implement, but their time and space complexities increase as the memory allocation becomes complicated. On the other hand, non-linear data structures are designed to overcome the issues and limitations of linear data structures. Depending on your requirement and project, it is important to choose the right data structure for your project.
