Introduction to Data Structures: Terminology and Classification: 30 flashcards
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1. What is a data structure?
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A way of organising data in memory so it can be used efficiently.
2. What are the two main categories of data structures?
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Primitive and non-primitive data structures.
3. What is a primitive data structure?
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A basic, built-in type that holds a single value and is directly supported by the language and hardware.
4. List five examples of primitive data structures.
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Integer, float (real), character, boolean, and pointer.
5. What is a non-primitive data structure?
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A collection built from primitive values, giving them a shape.
6. What are two alternative names for non-primitive data structures?
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Composite data structures or user-defined data structures.
7. How are non-primitive data structures further divided?
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Into linear and non-linear data structures.
8. What is a linear data structure?
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A structure where elements are arranged in a single sequence, one after another.
9. List four examples of linear data structures.
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Array, linked list, stack, and queue.
10. What is a non-linear data structure?
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A structure where elements are arranged in a hierarchy or network, not a single line.
11. List two examples of non-linear data structures.
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Tree and graph.
12. Are primitive data structures ever classified as linear or non-linear?
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No. The linear/non-linear split applies only to non-primitive structures.
13. What is contiguous storage?
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A storage method where all elements sit in adjacent memory cells, as in arrays.
14. What is linked storage?
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A storage method where each element sits anywhere in memory and holds a pointer to the next, as in linked lists and trees.
15. Why is an array of integers classified as non-primitive?
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Because the array is a container built from primitive integers; the container and its contents belong to different categories.
16. What is the time complexity of random access in an array?
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$O(1)$
17. What is the time complexity of access in a linked list?
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$O(n)$
18. What is the search time complexity in a balanced tree?
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$O(\log n)$
19. Which data structure is used for undo operations in editors?
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A stack.
20. Which data structure is used for printer job scheduling?
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A queue.
21. Which data structure models hierarchical data such as file systems?
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A tree.
22. Which data structure models networks such as road maps and social connections?
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A graph.
23. How much memory does a primitive value occupy?
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A fixed amount determined by its type — for example, an int might take 4 bytes and a char 1 byte.
24. Is the classification of data structures a flat list or a hierarchy?
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A hierarchy — primitives and non-primitives at the top, with non-primitives further split into linear and non-linear.
25. Why does choosing the right data structure matter?
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It directly affects time and memory performance of the program.
26. What is the key difference between arrays and linked lists in terms of storage?
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Arrays use contiguous storage; linked lists use linked storage.
27. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of contiguous storage.
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Advantage: fast random access. Disadvantage: rigid size.
28. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of linked storage.
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Advantage: flexible size. Disadvantage: slower traversal.
29. What is the relationship between primitive and non-primitive structures?
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Primitives are the bricks; non-primitives are the walls built from them.
30. Which category does a pointer belong to?
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Primitive data structure.
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