How To Choose Data Structures
Hint
First, let's understand the problem we are working with:
- Data type and structure:
- What kind of data are you working with?
- Is it a list of numbers, a collection of objects, or something else?
- Operations:
- What operations do you need to perform?
- Searching, sorting, inserting, deleting?
- Constraints:
- Are there any memory or performance constraints?
- Order and access:
- Do you need to maintain a specific order or provide fast access to certain elements?
Recap of Common Data Structures and Their Uses
| Data Structure | Characteristics | Use Cases | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrays | Fixed size, fast access by index | When the number of elements is known in advance and random access is required | Storing a list of student grades |
| Linked Lists | Dynamic size, sequential access | When the number of elements changes frequently, and memory efficiency is important | Implementing a playlist where songs can be added or removed |
| Stacks | Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) order | Undo functionality in text editors, expression evaluation | Tracking function calls in a recursive algorithm, undo button |
| Queues | First-In, First-Out (FIFO) order | Task scheduling, handling requests in a server | Managing print jobs in a printer queue |
| Trees | Hierarchical structure, fast search in BST | Representing hierarchical data, such as file systems or organizational charts | A binary search tree for efficient searching and sorting |
