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Data Structures in C

📘 C 👁 37 views 📅 Dec 22, 2025
⏱ Estimated reading time: 2 min

A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in memory so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently.

Importance of Data Structures

  • Efficient data management

  • Faster processing

  • Better memory utilization

  • Essential for large programs

Classification of Data Structures

1. Primitive Data Structures

  • int

  • float

  • char

  • double

2. Non-Primitive Data Structures

a) Linear Data Structures

  • Arrays

  • Linked Lists

  • Stacks

  • Queues

b) Non-Linear Data Structures

  • Trees

  • Graphs

Arrays

  • Collection of same data type

  • Stored in contiguous memory

Linked List

  • Collection of nodes

  • Each node contains data and address of next node

struct node {
    int data;
    struct node *next;
};

Stack

  • Follows LIFO (Last In First Out)

  • Operations: push, pop, peek

Queue

  • Follows FIFO (First In First Out)

  • Operations: enqueue, dequeue

Tree

  • Hierarchical data structure

  • Root, parent, child nodes

Graph

  • Collection of vertices and edges

  • Can be directed or undirected

Implementation in C

  • Structures are used to create nodes

  • Pointers are used to link data

  • Dynamic memory allocation is essential

Advantages of Data Structures

  • Organizes data efficiently

  • Improves program performance

  • Supports complex data handling

Applications

  • Operating systems

  • Databases

  • Compiler design

  • Networking

  • Artificial intelligence

Summary

  • Data structures organize data effectively

  • Classified as primitive and non-primitive

  • Linear and non-linear structures exist

  • C uses structures and pointers to implement them

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