Data Structure Overview

Study Notes

Data Structure Overview

Definition: A data structure is a way to organize and store data in a computer so it can be accessed and modified efficiently.

Types of Data Structures

Primitive Data Structures
- Basic data types, typically built into programming languages.
- Examples: integers, floats, booleans, characters.
Non-Primitive Data Structures
- More complex structures built from primitive data types.
- Divided into two main categories:
  - Linear Data Structures
    - Elements are in a sequential manner.
    - Examples:
      - Arrays: Fixed size, indexed collection of elements.
      - Linked Lists: Collection of nodes with data and a reference to the next node.
      - Stacks: LIFO (Last In, First Out) structure.
      - Queues: FIFO (First In, First Out) structure.
  - Non-Linear Data Structures
    - Elements are not in a sequential manner.
    - Examples:
      - Trees: Hierarchical structure with nodes connected by edges.
        
        Binary Tree, Binary Search Tree, AVL Tree, etc.
      - Graphs: Set of nodes and edges describing relationships.
        
        Directed, Undirected, Weighted, and Unweighted graphs.

Operations on Data Structures

Common operations include:
- Insertion: Adding an element.
- Deletion: Removing an element.
- Traversal: Accessing each element (e.g., in-order, pre-order, post-order for trees).
- Searching: Finding an element (e.g., linear search, binary search).
- Updating: Modifying existing elements.

Importance of Data Structures

Efficiency: Affects performance of algorithms.
Organization: Structures data to facilitate specific operations.
Memory Management: Helps manage how data is stored and retrieved.

Choosing the Right Data Structure

Based on:
- Type of operation needed (searching, inserting, deleting).
- Data characteristics (size, frequency of access).
- Time complexity and space complexity of operations.

Commonly Used Data Structures

Hash Tables: Key-value pairs for quick search and retrieval.
Heaps: Special tree-based structure satisfying heap property (min-heap/max-heap).
Sets: Collections of unique elements, allows operations like union, intersection.

Data Structure Definition

A data structure is a method of organizing and storing data in a computer system, allowing for efficient access and modification.

Types of Data Structures

Primitive Data Structures: Basic data types generally built into programming languages.
- Examples: Integers, Floats, Booleans, Characters.
Non-Primitive Data Structures: More complex structures built using primitive data types.
- Linear Data Structures: Elements are arranged sequentially.
  - Arrays: Fixed-size collections of elements accessed by index.
  - Linked Lists: Collections of nodes containing data and references to the next node.
  - Stacks: Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) data structure.
  - Queues: First-In, First-Out (FIFO) data structure.
- Non-Linear Data Structures: Elements are not in a sequential arrangement.
  - Trees: Hierarchical structures composed of nodes connected by edges.
    - Examples: Binary Tree, Binary Search Tree, AVL Tree
  - Graphs: Networks of nodes (vertices) linked by edges, depicting relationships.
    - Types: Directed, Undirected, Weighted, Unweighted.

Operations on Data Structures

Common operations performed on data structures:
- Insertion: Adding a new element.
- Deletion: Removing an element.
- Traversal: Accessing each element in a specific order.
  - Example: In-order, pre-order, post-order for tree traversal.
- Searching: Finding a specific element.
  - Example: Linear search, Binary search.
- Updating: Modifying existing elements.

Importance of Data Structures

Efficiency: Impact on algorithm performance.
Organization: Structures data for specific operations.
Memory Management: Facilitates managing how data is stored and accessed.

Choosing the Right Data Structure

Factors to consider:
- Operations needed: Searching, inserting, deleting.
- Data characteristics: Size, frequency of access.
- Time and space complexity: Efficiency of operations.

Commonly Used Data Structures

Hash Tables: Key-value pairs for quick search and retrieval.
Heaps: Special tree-based structures satisfying the heap property (min-heap/max-heap).
Sets: Collections of unique elements, supporting operations like union and intersection.

Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of data structures, including definitions, primitive and non-primitive data structures, and examples of linear and non-linear types. Test your understanding of how these structures are organized to allow efficient data management in computing.