Data Structures Questions
The main difference between an array and a linked list is the way they store and access data.
- Array: An array is a fixed-size data structure that stores elements of the same type in contiguous memory locations. It allows for random access to elements using their index. This means that elements can be accessed directly by their position in the array, making it efficient for accessing elements. However, inserting or deleting elements in an array can be costly, as it may require shifting all subsequent elements.
- Linked List: A linked list is a dynamic data structure that stores elements in separate nodes, where each node contains a value and a reference to the next node. Unlike an array, the elements in a linked list are not stored in contiguous memory locations. Instead, they are linked together through pointers. This allows for efficient insertion and deletion of elements, as it only requires updating the pointers. However, accessing elements in a linked list requires traversing through the list from the beginning, making it less efficient for random access.
In summary, arrays provide efficient random access but have limited flexibility for insertion and deletion, while linked lists allow for efficient insertion and deletion but have slower access time.