What are the differences between arrays and linked lists?

What are the differences between arrays and linked lists?

Arrays are fixed-size data structures that store elements in contiguous memory locations, while linked lists are dynamic and consist of nodes that point to the next node.

Can you explain the advantages of using linked lists over arrays?

Linked lists allow for efficient insertions and deletions since you only need to update pointers, whereas arrays require shifting elements.

What about memory usage? Which one is more efficient?

Arrays can waste memory if they are not fully utilized, while linked lists use memory more efficiently as they allocate space for each element individually.

Are there any scenarios where arrays are preferred over linked lists?

Yes, arrays are preferred when you need fast access to elements by index, as they provide O(1) time complexity for access.