Unlocking the Basics: Introduction to Data Structures

Define Data Structure ?

Definition : ” Data structure is the way to store and arrange the data so that it is accessed easily and efficiently.”

it is the branch of computer science engineering.
Just take an example of a library , if the books inside the library are arranged in scattered manner ,so it is difficult to find any particular book , but if the books are arranged in a organized manner so we can find a particular book easily.

Efficient Data Management: Data structures enable systematic storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data.
Algorithm Design: They are crucial for developing efficient algorithms and solving complex problems.
Performance Optimization: The right data structure improves time and space efficiency in programs.
Core of Software Development: Modern applications rely on data structures for functionality, from databases to operating systems.
Real-World Applications: They power technologies like search engines, social media, and e-commerce systems.
Career Advancement: Essential for coding interviews and competitive programming.
Versatility: Widely used in fields like AI, networking, and gaming.
Logical Thinking: Strengthens problem-solving and analytical skills.

Primitive Data Structure :

Primitive data structures are the most basic types of data which the machine-level instructions can directly operate.
These are building blocks of more complex data structures.
It consists of Predefined data types like integer, float, double, long, char etc.
It is also known as very simple data types which can not be sub-divided further more.

Non-Primitive Data Structure :

It is a more complex type of data structure that is derived from primitive data types.
It is used to store multiple values and organize them in a structural way.
These Data structure can not be operated by machine level instructions directly
It can be further divided into 2 parts:
- Linear Data Structure
- Non-Linear Data Structure

Linear Data Structure :

In this type of data structure data items are arranged sequentially or linearly, in which each elements are attached to its previous and next adjacent data elements.
it is are of 2 Types:
- Static Data Structure:
  - It has fixed memory size which is easier to access the elements.
  - Array : It is a linear data structure which store or collection of homogeneous data types means similar data types.
- Dynamic Data Structure:
  - in this types of Data structure size is not fixed which update at the run time.
  - Queue : It is a linear data structure in which data elements are arranged sequentially , in which insertion takes place in one end which is called “REAR” and deletion takes place at another end which is called “FRONT”.
  - Stack : It is a linear data structure in which Insertion and Deletion Takes place in one end which is called “Top of the Stack” .
  - Linked List : It is a linear data structure which is collection of different data objects called nodes and each node divided in to 2 parts one is “Info” and other one is “next”.

Non-Linear Data Structure :

It is a type of data structure in which data items are not arranged sequentially or linearly.
Tree : It is a non -linear data structure in which data elements are arranged in a hierarchical order.
Graph : It is a non-linear data structure , which is a collection of data elements also known as nodes connected by edges.

FEATURE	PRIMITIVE DATA STRUCTURE	NON-PRIMITIVE DATA STRUCTURE
Definition	Basic building blocks of data.	Complex structures built from primitives.
Complexity	Simple and Straight-forward.	More Complex and structured.
Data Type	Stores single values.	Can store multiple values
Examples	Integers,Float,Boolean,Character	Arrays,Linked List,Trees,Graphs
Flexibility	Fixed in nature and size.	Flexible can grow dynamically.