What are some examples of queue structures in programming?

What are some examples of queue structures in programming?

Queue structures are data structures that follow the First In First Out (FIFO) principle. Examples include:

1. Array Queue: Uses a fixed-size array to store elements.
2. Linked List Queue: Uses a linked list to allow dynamic size.
3. Circular Queue: A circular version of the array queue to optimize space.
4. Priority Queue: Elements are dequeued based on priority rather than order.

Can you explain how a priority queue works?

Sure! A priority queue is a special type of queue where each element has a priority. Elements with higher priority are dequeued before those with lower priority, regardless of their order in the queue. This is often implemented using heaps.

What are the use cases for a circular queue?

Circular queues are useful in scenarios where you need a fixed-size buffer, such as in CPU scheduling, buffering data streams, or managing resources in a circular manner.

How does a linked list queue differ from an array queue?

A linked list queue can grow and shrink dynamically, as it uses nodes that point to each other. In contrast, an array queue has a fixed size, which can lead to overflow if the limit is reached.