Which data structure is more memory efficient for storing a list of elements?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which data structure is more memory efficient for storing a list of elements?
Array
Linked List
Both are equal
None of the above
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which data structure is more memory efficient for storing a list of elements?
Step 1: Understand what a data structure is. A data structure is a way to organize and store data in a computer.
Step 2: Learn about arrays. An array is a collection of elements stored in a contiguous block of memory. This means all elements are next to each other in memory.
Step 3: Learn about linked lists. A linked list is a collection of elements where each element points to the next one. They do not need to be stored next to each other in memory.
Step 4: Consider memory allocation. Arrays require a fixed size when created, which can lead to wasted space if not all elements are used. Linked lists can grow and shrink as needed, using only the memory required for the elements they contain.
Step 5: Compare memory efficiency. If you have a dynamic list that changes in size often, linked lists can be more memory efficient because they do not need a large contiguous block of memory like arrays do.