How do I choose the right data structure?

I'm working on a project and need to choose the right data structure. How do I start?

Start by considering the types of operations you'll perform most often, like searching, inserting, or deleting.

I need to frequently access elements by index. What data structure would be best?

An array or a list would be ideal for that, as they allow for quick access to elements by their index.

What if I need to store key-value pairs?

In that case, a hash table or a dictionary would be suitable, as they provide efficient key-based access.

Are there any trade-offs I should be aware of?

Yes, each data structure has its own strengths and weaknesses, such as time complexity for operations and memory usage.