How do data structures affect the efficiency of algorithms?

How do data structures affect the efficiency of algorithms?

Data structures are crucial as they determine how data is organized, accessed, and manipulated, impacting algorithm efficiency.

Can you give an example of a data structure that improves efficiency?

Sure! For instance, using a hash table allows for average-case constant time complexity for lookups, which is much faster than a list.

What about trees? How do they compare?

Trees, especially binary search trees, allow for efficient searching, insertion, and deletion, typically in O(log n) time.

Are there scenarios where a simpler data structure is better?

Yes, in cases where data is static or the dataset is small, simpler structures like arrays can be more efficient due to lower overhead.