Algorithm Design Questions Medium
A linked list and an array are both data structures used to store and organize data, but they have several key differences.
1. Memory Allocation: In an array, elements are stored in contiguous memory locations, meaning they are allocated in a block of memory. On the other hand, a linked list uses dynamic memory allocation, where each element (node) is stored in a separate memory location and connected through pointers.
2. Size: Arrays have a fixed size determined at the time of declaration, whereas linked lists can dynamically grow or shrink in size as elements are added or removed.
3. Insertion and Deletion: Insertion and deletion operations are more efficient in a linked list compared to an array. In a linked list, inserting or deleting an element only requires updating the pointers, while in an array, elements need to be shifted to accommodate the change.
4. Random Access: Arrays allow direct access to any element using an index, making random access operations efficient. In contrast, linked lists do not support direct access, and to access an element, we need to traverse the list from the beginning.
5. Memory Overhead: Linked lists have a higher memory overhead compared to arrays. In addition to storing the actual data, linked lists also require extra memory to store the pointers connecting the nodes.
6. Flexibility: Linked lists are more flexible than arrays. They can easily accommodate changes in size and structure, such as inserting or deleting elements, without requiring a fixed amount of memory.
In summary, arrays are suitable for scenarios where random access and fixed size are important, while linked lists are more appropriate when flexibility, efficient insertion/deletion, and dynamic size are required.