Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a stack?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a stack?
Array
Linked List
Both are equally efficient
None of the above
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a stack?
Step 1: Understand what a stack is. A stack is a data structure that follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle, meaning the last item added is the first one to be removed.
Step 2: Learn about the two common data structures used to implement a stack: arrays and linked lists.
Step 3: Know that an array has a fixed size. If you want to add more items than the array can hold, you need to create a new, larger array and copy the items over. This can be slow and inefficient.
Step 4: Understand that a linked list consists of nodes, where each node points to the next one. This allows you to easily add or remove items without worrying about size limitations.
Step 5: Realize that because a linked list can grow and shrink as needed, it is often more efficient for managing a stack when the number of items can change frequently.