How do different data structures compare in terms of performance?

How do different data structures compare in terms of performance?

The performance of data structures can vary significantly based on operations like insertion, deletion, and access. For example, arrays offer O(1) access time but O(n) for insertion and deletion, while linked lists provide O(n) access time but O(1) for insertion and deletion.

What about hash tables?

Hash tables provide average O(1) time complexity for search, insert, and delete operations, but can degrade to O(n) in the worst case due to collisions.

How do trees compare to arrays and linked lists?

Trees, especially balanced ones like AVL or Red-Black trees, offer O(log n) time complexity for search, insert, and delete, making them more efficient than arrays and linked lists for large datasets.

Can you give an example of when to use a specific data structure?

Certainly! Use arrays for static datasets where quick access is needed, linked lists for dynamic datasets with frequent insertions/deletions, and hash tables for fast lookups.