Logicmojo - Any programming language's data structure is a fundamental idea that is required for algorithmic design. It's important to ask questions like What is Data Structure, How to use Data Structure, Why companies ask so many questions from data structure during interview.
- Data Structure is used to organise and modify data in a more effective manner.
- Before asking what is data structure, It is also important to understand how we represent data and the relationships between data that facilitates in the efficient application of various functions, processes, and algorithms.
Data Structure and It's Types
Data structures are divided into two categories:
- Linear data structure: A linear data structure is one in which the elements of a data structure result in a sequence or a linear list. Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, and other data structures are examples.
- Non-linear data structure: A non-linear data structure is one in which the elements of the data structure result in the traversal of nodes not being done in a sequential manner. Trees, graphs, and other similar structures are examples.
Applications of Data Structure
Data structures is the core of software development, any efficient method to a given problem is contingent on how effectively data is arranged. Hash tables are used to build identifier lookups in compiler implementations.The B-tree data structures are appropriate for use in databases.
The following are some of the most important areas where data structures are used:
- Artificial intelligence
- Compiler design
- Machine learning
- Database design and management
- Blockchain
- Numerical and Statistical analysis
- Operating system development
- Image & Speech Processing
- Cryptography
Benefits of Learning Data Structures
Any given problem has limits on how quickly it should be solved and how few resources it should take. That is, the space and time complexity within which a problem must be solved efficiently constrains its solution.To accomplish so, the supplied problem must be described in a properly structured format that can be used to apply efficient algorithms.Before applying an algorithm to any problem, the most crucial step is to choose the right data structure.
Note: Knowing the many types of data structures available aids the programmer in determining which data structure is ideal for solving an issue quickly. It's not only about getting an issue to work; it's also about getting it to work efficiently.
What is real use case of Data Structure
- You have to store social network “feeds”. You do not know the size, and things may need to be dynamically added. -linked list or Hash table
- You need to store undo/redo operations in a word processor. – stack (use 2 stack for including redo operation)
- You need to evaluate an expression (i.e., parse). – stack or tree
- You need to store the friendship information on a social networking site. I.e., who is friends with who – graph
- You need to store an image (1000 by 1000 pixels) as a bitmap. – ArrayList(java) or 2D array
- To implement printer spooler so that jobs can be printed in the order of their arrival. – queue
- To implement back functionality in the internet browser. – stack
- To store the possible moves in a chess game. – tree
- To store a set of fixed keywords which are referenced very frequently. – dynamic
DSA skills are mandatory for every product based companies interview
Data Structures and Algorithms are the identity of a good Software Developer. The interviews for technical roles in some of the tech giants like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft is more focused on measuring the knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms of the candidates. The main reason behind this is Data Structures and Algorithms improves the problem-solving ability of a candidate to a great extent
“Choosing the best possible data structure or algorithm to solve a problem affects the time and space complexity of the solution, which the interviewer is looking for”
These skills not only help a student in getting a highly-paid job but helps him to sustain in this ever-growing software industry.