What are the most common data structures?

What are the most common data structures used in programming?

The most common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables. Would you like to know more about any specific one?

Can you explain the difference between an array and a linked list?

Sure! An array is a collection of elements stored in contiguous memory locations, allowing for fast access by index. A linked list, on the other hand, consists of nodes where each node points to the next, allowing for dynamic memory allocation but slower access.

What are the advantages of using a hash table?

Hash tables offer fast data retrieval, typically O(1) time complexity for lookups, and they handle large datasets efficiently. However, they require good hash functions to minimize collisions.

Are there any downsides to using trees?

Yes, while trees can provide efficient searching and sorting, they can become unbalanced, leading to O(n) time complexity for operations. Self-balancing trees like AVL or Red-Black trees can help mitigate this.