The data structure is an important part that must be understood by programmers. This structure makes it easy for users to access the data they need quickly and precisely.
This is because data structures have special formats that function to organize, process, retrieve, and store data.
Unfortunately, not a few think that data structures are difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it easily.
Therefore this time we will discuss in detail about data structures. Starting from understanding, types and benefits.
What is Data Structure?
Data structure is a way to store and organize data in a structured manner on a computer system or database so that it is more easily accessible.
Technically, data in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, and others are placed in certain columns and arrangements.
In compiling data, there are several terms that you need to understand, namely nodes and indexes. The following is an explanation of the two terms.
- Nodes, which are elements contained in the data structure. Each node contains a pointer to the next node.
- Index, which is an object in the database system that can speed up the data search process.
Data structures can be used to manage databases, compress files, and process other data. Practically speaking, this structure is a must learn.
Because it can help you to combine various data elements effectively. Moreover, the data structure will also affect the accuracy of the algorithm of a program.
7 Types of Data Structures
After knowing what a data structure is, then you also need to know the seven types of data structures used to store data on a computer. Here is a full explanation.
1. Linked List
A linked list is a data structure consisting of a sequence of linear data linked to each other. When using the linked list type, you must access the data manually. Because you cannot search for data with a random system.
Types of linked lists are divided into three types, namely singly linked lists, doubly linked lists, and circular linked lists.
But all three can be distinguished from the traversal process or the process of visiting each node at one time.
Advantages of linked list type:
- Size is more dynamic.
- You can adjust the allocation of memory usage according to your needs.
- Faster addition or subtraction of data.
Disadvantages of linked list types:
- More memory drain.
- Cannot return to the previous node (reverse traversal), except in the type of doubly linked list.
- The traversal process is longer because it does not directly access the data by index.
2. Arrays
The Array type has a collection of elements that are closely spaced together. Arrays can help one to search random data using only its index.
The element capacity that can be allocated to an array type is static. Therefore if you want to insert a new element into an array, you must create a new array with a larger size.
On the other hand, if you want to delete certain elements, you must create a new array with a smaller size.
In addition, arrays also allow you to store multiple data of the same type under one name. Array types are commonly used to construct data structures, such as vectors and matrices.
Array type advantages:
- Can be used as implementation of other types, such as queues and stacks.
- The data search process can be done faster.
Disadvantages of array types:
- Adding and subtracting data takes longer because the array type holds the data sequentially.
3. Queue
Queue is a type of linear data structure that follows a certain order, namely FIFO (First In First Out). So, the data that enters the first time is the data that is first retrieved.
A simple analogy that describes this type is a person standing in line. Who comes first, that’s served first.
Queue type advantages:
- Incoming data will be served in the order.
- The data queue process is faster and optimal.
- Handles multiple data types at once.
Disadvantages of queue types:
- If the service time runs out, the last data entered cannot be served.
- A complicated process when it comes to adding or removing elements from the middle.
- Took a long time to find the line.
4. Stack
Stack is a type of data structure that is linear and follows a certain order. The order used is LIFO (Last In First Out) or FILO (First In Last Out).
Both terms mean the same thing, namely the data that was last entered will be the data that came out the first time. On the other hand, the first data to enter will be the last outgoing data.
Stack type advantages:
- Can manage data efficiently.
- Clean objects automatically.
- Can control memory independently.
Disadvantages of stack types:
- Very limited memory capacity.
- There may be an overflow when there are too many objects.
- Cannot access random data.
5. Graph
A graph is a type that contains several interconnected nodes. Nodes in a graph type are called vertices. Therefore each line will connect two vertices. Usually this type is used to indicate a particular network. For example, the telephone network.
There are two types of graph types, namely directed graph and undirected graph. Directed graph means that each line will be connected to all the vertices.
Meanwhile, an undirected graph means that not all vertices will be connected by a line. If a vertex is not connected to any other vertex, it is called an isolated vertex.
Advantages of graph types:
- Can help check the relationship between nodes quickly.
- Suitable for graphs that do not contain many nodes.
Disadvantages of graph types:
- It takes a long time to modify the data.
6. Hash Table
Hash table is a type that is used to store data associatively. This type will store the data in an array format. This allows you to access the data quickly because it is enough to just use the index.
The main operations used in hash tables are search (to search for elements), insert (to insert elements), and delete (to remove elements). An example of using the hash table type is to look up data for names and phone numbers.
Advantages of hash table types:
- Compared to other types, sometimes the use of hash tables is more efficient for finding data, so it is often used in software for database indexing.
- Easy to sync.
Disadvantages of hash table types:
- The possibility of data collisions (collision) is very large so that it becomes inefficient.
7. Tree
Tree is a type of data structure that has a tree-like shape. The tree type is efficient for storing data hierarchically because it is arranged in various levels.
Each node can contain some data or links from other nodes. Some of the terms that exist in the tree type include:
- Root: the node at the very top..
- Child node: The child of each node.
- Parent node: the node that contains the sub-nodes.
- Siblings: nodes that come from the same parent node.
- Leaf node: a node that has no children anymore.
Advantages of tree type:
- The process of finding data can be done quickly.
Disadvantages of tree types:
- It takes longer to enter data because it has to adjust to the order of the values.
Benefits of Data Structures
In programming, data structures have many benefits. This is what makes many people interested in learning programming. Check out the following review of the usefulness of data structures.
1. Store and organize data
- Easily store and organize data efficiently, neatly and organized.
2. Makes the programming process easy
- Data structures can be used to make commands with programming languages easier.
3. Improve the quality of the algorithm
- The data structure can affect the effectiveness of the algorithm.
4. Data exchange
- You can share information quickly and easily even if it is done between applications.
5. Manage resources and services
- The resources and services in the operating system can be managed through data structures. Therefore data structures in this context usually include file directory management, memory allocation, etc.
6. Anticipating Coding Problems
- The problem is that coding can be done more quickly by using data structures. Because errors or errors can be found immediately.
7. Search
- The index contained in the data structure will speed up the process of searching for certain data.
8. Scalability
- Data structures are used to allocate and manage data stores across storage locations. Because a big data application can be guaranteed its performance and upgradeability.
9. Indexing
- Data structures can be used to index objects stored in the database.
Conclusion
Okay, now you know the different types of data structures that are commonly used in computer programming. Starting from linked lists, graph queues and others.
But even if you understand the basics, it’s a good idea to apply each structure directly to deepen your understanding.
