What are the applications of stack data structures?

What are the applications of stack data structures?

Stack data structures are used in various applications such as function call management, expression evaluation, and backtracking algorithms.

Can you explain how stacks are used in function calls?

Sure! Stacks manage function calls by storing the return addresses and local variables. When a function is called, its context is pushed onto the stack, and when it returns, the context is popped off.

What about their use in expression evaluation?

Stacks are used in expression evaluation for converting infix expressions to postfix and for evaluating postfix expressions efficiently.

Are there any real-world examples of backtracking using stacks?

Yes! A common example is solving puzzles like the N-Queens problem or maze solving, where stacks help keep track of the path taken.

How do stacks compare to queues in data structures?

Stacks follow Last In First Out (LIFO) principle, while queues follow First In First Out (FIFO). Their applications differ based on this behavior.