Array vs Linked List: Which is More Efficient?

What are the performance differences between arrays and linked lists?

Arrays provide faster access times due to contiguous memory allocation, while linked lists offer better insertion and deletion performance.

Can you explain why linked lists are better for insertions?

Linked lists allow for O(1) insertions if you have a pointer to the node, while arrays require shifting elements, leading to O(n) time.

What about memory usage? Which one is more efficient?

Arrays have a fixed size, which can lead to wasted space, while linked lists use more memory per element due to pointers.

In what scenarios would you recommend using a linked list over an array?

Use linked lists when you need frequent insertions/deletions or when the size of the data structure is unknown.