Algorithm Design Questions
The main difference between a dynamic array and a linked list lies in their underlying data structures and the way they allocate and store elements.
A dynamic array is a resizable array that allows for efficient random access to elements. It is implemented using a contiguous block of memory where elements are stored in consecutive memory locations. The size of the dynamic array can be changed during runtime by allocating a new block of memory and copying the existing elements to the new location. This resizing operation can be costly in terms of time and memory if done frequently.
On the other hand, a linked list is a data structure composed of nodes, where each node contains a value and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. Unlike a dynamic array, a linked list does not require a contiguous block of memory. Each node can be located anywhere in memory, and they are connected through pointers. This allows for efficient insertion and deletion operations at any position in the list. However, random access to elements in a linked list is less efficient compared to a dynamic array, as it requires traversing the list from the beginning.
In summary, the key differences between a dynamic array and a linked list are:
1. Memory allocation: Dynamic arrays use a contiguous block of memory, while linked lists use non-contiguous memory locations connected through pointers.
2. Resizing: Dynamic arrays can be resized by allocating a new block of memory, while linked lists do not require resizing as they can grow or shrink dynamically.
3. Random access: Dynamic arrays allow for efficient random access to elements, while linked lists require traversing the list to access elements at a specific position.