Arrays Linked Lists Questions Medium
A static array and a dynamic array are both data structures used to store and manipulate collections of elements. However, they differ in terms of their size and memory allocation.
A static array, also known as a fixed-size array, has a predetermined size that is fixed at the time of declaration. The size of a static array cannot be changed once it is defined. Memory for a static array is allocated at compile-time, and it is typically stored in the stack memory. Static arrays are efficient in terms of accessing elements since they provide constant-time access. However, they have limited flexibility as the size cannot be modified during runtime.
On the other hand, a dynamic array, also known as a resizable array or a dynamic array list, allows for the size of the array to be changed dynamically during runtime. Memory for a dynamic array is allocated at runtime, typically in the heap memory. Dynamic arrays provide more flexibility as elements can be added or removed easily. However, resizing a dynamic array can be an expensive operation as it involves allocating a new block of memory, copying the existing elements, and deallocating the old memory block. Accessing elements in a dynamic array is similar to a static array, providing constant-time access.
In summary, the main difference between a static array and a dynamic array lies in their size and memory allocation. Static arrays have a fixed size determined at compile-time, while dynamic arrays can be resized during runtime. Static arrays are efficient in terms of accessing elements but lack flexibility, whereas dynamic arrays provide more flexibility but resizing can be costly.