Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a queue?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a queue?
Array
Linked List
Stack
Tree
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which data structure is more efficient for implementing a queue?
Step 1: Understand what a queue is. A queue is a data structure that follows the First In First Out (FIFO) principle, meaning the first element added is the first one to be removed.
Step 2: Learn about two common data structures for implementing a queue: arrays and linked lists.
Step 3: Recognize that an array has a fixed size, which means you need to know how many elements you will store in advance. If the queue exceeds this size, you may need to create a new larger array and copy the elements over, which is inefficient.
Step 4: Understand that a linked list does not have a fixed size. It can grow and shrink dynamically as elements are added or removed, making it more flexible for a queue.
Step 5: Note that in a linked list, adding or removing elements (inserting at the end or removing from the front) can be done easily without needing to shift other elements, which is more efficient than in an array.
Step 6: Conclude that because of its dynamic size and efficient insertion/removal, a linked list is generally more efficient for implementing a queue.
