Data structures are used to store and organize data in computer memory and make it easier to access. They provide a way for the programmer to structure data in logical ways that are efficient and easy to use. Data structures are used across all areas of computing, from software engineering to artificial intelligence to databases and operating systems.
Examples of some commonly used data structures are arrays, linked lists, trees, hash tables, graphs, and queues.
Arrays
An array is a collection of elements that can be accessed using an index. Arrays can be used to store items such as numbers or strings. Elements in an array can be searched quickly since the element’s index is known.
Linked Lists
A linked list is a data structure composed of nodes that hold data and pointers to other nodes. Linked lists can be used to store and manipulate data in a sequential order. Linked lists can also be used to create complex data structures such as stacks, queues and binary search trees.
Trees
Trees are a data structure composed of nodes that can have several children. Trees can be used to represent hierarchical datasets such as family relationships or organizational structures.
Hash Tables
A hash table is a data structure that maps keys to values. Hash tables can be used to store and retrieve data quickly and efficiently.
Graphs
A graph is a data structure composed of vertices (nodes) and edges (connections). Graphs can be used to represent networks of connections or relationships between different elements.
Queues
A queue is a data structure that stores items FIFO (first-in-first-out). Queues can be used to store items to be processed in the order they were received or to limit the number of simultaneous requests that can be processed at one time.
These are just a few examples of the many types of data structures used in computer science. Data structures enable efficient storage, retrieval and manipulation of data, making them an essential part of software development and computer programming.
