Simply put, they are integral part of computer science world. Most computer programming languages have basic data types like integer or character, but they are unable to catch the logical intent for data processing. A medium is needed to bring together the data elements in a logical way the allows good use and sharing of data. Data structures is our answer to that job!!
What is a Data Structure?
According to Wikipedia:
In computer science, a data structure is a data organization, management, and storage format that is usually chosen for efficient access to data.
Data structure used to store and arrange data on a computer so that it can be accessed and updated efficiently. Choose the right data structure for your project depending on your requirement. You don’t want slow runtimes or unresponsive codes while developing a software product!!
Classification of Data Structure:
- Linear data structure: Data elements are arranged sequentially or linearly.
Examples of linear data structures are array, stack, queue, linked list, etc.
- Non-linear data structure: Here we can’t traverse all the elements in a single run only.
Examples of non-linear data structures are trees and graphs.
Let’s explore some of real time application of data structures such as arrays, stack, queue, graph and tree.
| Data Structures | Applications | Use Cases |
| Trees | Databases use trees to store and retrieve data efficiently. | HTML Document. AI Decision. Websites such as Quora for positioning questions. |
| Arrays | Machine learning algorithms use arrays store and manipulate data, and to implement models. | Viewing screen. Online ticket booking. Contacts on a cell phone. |
| Strings | Strings can be used to find Plagiarism in codes, and contents in a very little amount of time using string matching algorithms. | Spam email detection. Plagiarism detection. Search engine. |
| Stack | Operating systems use data structures manage tasks, processes, and memory. | Undo/Redo of word editor. Forward-backward surfing in the browser. History of visited websites. |
| Queue | Operating System uses queues for job scheduling. | Operating System uses queues for job scheduling. Sending an e-mail. CPU scheduling. Maintaining a playlist. |
| Graphs | Computer networks use graphs to store and route information. | Friendship tracking. Path finding. The GPS navigation system. |
| Heap | Financial systems heaps to manage and execute financial transactions, such as stock trades, options, and bonds. | Task scheduling. Used by JVM (Java Virtual Machine) to store Java objects. |
Conclusion
Data structures are means to store data so that we can perform operations on the stored data in a more efficient manner. They are a way to effectively handle various small and big tasks. Every data structure has its own pros and cons, so select the one based on need, application and situation.