How do different data structures affect performance?

How do different data structures affect performance?

Different data structures have varying performance characteristics for operations like insertion, deletion, and access. For example, arrays allow fast access but slow insertion, while linked lists allow fast insertion but slow access.

Can you give examples of when to use arrays versus linked lists?

Sure! Use arrays when you need fast access to elements and the size is fixed. Use linked lists when you expect frequent insertions and deletions.

What about hash tables? How do they compare?

Hash tables provide average-case constant time complexity for lookups, insertions, and deletions, making them very efficient for search operations.

Are there any downsides to using hash tables?

Yes, hash tables can have issues with collisions, and their performance can degrade if the load factor is too high. They also require more memory compared to other structures.