Data Structure is a systematic way to organize the data in order to use it efficiently. In fact, it is a foundation for writing efficient algorithms. The following are the key advantages of using data structures.
- Data search: Provides the way for efficient data search and manipulation with a large amount of data.
- Processor speed: Helps reduce the processor and memory utilization with billions of records.
- Multiple requests: Ability to serve thousands of user requests at the same time.
1. Types of Data Structure
There are two different types of Data structures based on the arrangement of data.
- Linear – Sequential arrangement of data such as Array, Linked List, Stack, and Queue.
- Non-Linear – Non-sequential arrangement of data such as Tree, and Graph.
2. Applications of Data Structure
Data structures are generally used almost in all the applications. Some of the key areas are as follows.
- Relational databases commonly use B-Tree data structure for quick data retrieval.
- Compiler implementations use Hash Tables to look up program identifiers.
- Search engines use different data structures to manage a large number of internet indexes.