What are some advanced uses of deque in Python?

What are some advanced uses of deque in Python?

Deque, or double-ended queue, is a versatile data structure in Python. It allows you to add and remove elements from both ends efficiently. Some advanced uses include implementing queues, stacks, and even certain algorithms like breadth-first search.

Can you give me an example of using deque for a breadth-first search?

Sure! In a breadth-first search, you can use deque to keep track of nodes to explore. You can append nodes to the right and pop from the left, ensuring you explore nodes in the correct order.

What are the performance benefits of using deque over a list?

Deque provides O(1) time complexity for appends and pops from both ends, while lists have O(n) for pops from the front. This makes deque more efficient for queue-like operations.

Are there any limitations to using deque?

While deque is efficient for adding/removing elements, it may use more memory than lists due to its underlying implementation. Also, random access is slower compared to lists.