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dsa_study_guide

Uploaded by

mm3242004
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Detailed Overview of Stacks, Queues, and Linked Lists

1. Stacks

Concepts:

- Definition: A linear data structure where operations follow the LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) principle.

- Operations:

- Push: Add an element to the top of the stack. Time Complexity: O(1)

- Pop: Remove the top element from the stack. Time Complexity: O(1)

- Top/Peek: View the top element without removing it. Time Complexity: O(1)

- isEmpty: Check if the stack is empty. Time Complexity: O(1)

Types of Implementations:

- Array-Based Stack:

- Simple and efficient but has a fixed size, which may lead to overflow.

- Linked List-Based Stack:

- Dynamic size with no overflow (unless memory is exhausted). Nodes have data and pointers.

Complex Points:

- Overflow and Underflow: Overflow occurs when pushing to a full array-based stack; underflow occurs when

popping from an empty stack.

- Recursion Support: Stacks manage return addresses and local variables, essential for recursion.

- Memory Efficiency: Linked list stacks use extra memory for pointers.

Applications:

- Balancing Symbols: Used in parsing for matching brackets and parentheses.

- Undo/Redo: In text editors, operations can be undone using a stack.

- Expression Evaluation (Postfix): Operands are pushed onto the stack; operators apply to the top elements.

- Function Call Management: Helps manage function calls and returns, especially for recursion.

2. Queues
Detailed Overview of Stacks, Queues, and Linked Lists
Concepts:

- Definition: A linear data structure following FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principle.

- Operations:

- Enqueue: Add an element to the back. Time Complexity: O(1)

- Dequeue: Remove an element from the front. Time Complexity: O(1)

- isEmpty: Check if the queue is empty. Time Complexity: O(1)

- isFull: Check if the queue is full (relevant for fixed-size arrays). Time Complexity: O(1)

Types of Implementations:

- Array-Based Queue: Efficient but space can be wasted when front and back reach the end of the array.

- Circular Array Queue: Uses wrap-around logic to reuse array space.

- Linked List-Based Queue: Dynamic with front and rear pointers.

Complex Points:

- Circular Array Management: Handling pointers as they wrap around the array.

- Full vs. Empty State: Avoiding ambiguity when front equals back.

- Dynamic Memory: Proper memory management in linked list queues.

Applications:

- Print Queue: Manages print jobs in the order they arrive.

- CPU Scheduling: Processes are managed in a ready queue in operating systems.

- Network Packet Management: Ensures data packets are transmitted in order.

- BFS (Breadth-First Search): Used for level-by-level graph traversal.

3. Linked Lists

Concepts:

- Definition: A collection of nodes, each with data and a pointer to the next node.

- Operations:

- Insertion: At head (O(1)), middle or end (O(N)).

- Deletion: From head (O(1)), middle or end (O(N)).


Detailed Overview of Stacks, Queues, and Linked Lists
- Traversal: Visiting nodes sequentially (O(N)).

Types:

- Singly Linked List: Nodes point to the next, with the last pointing to NULL.

- Doubly Linked List: Nodes have pointers to both next and previous, allowing bidirectional traversal

(insertion/deletion: O(1) with pointers).

- Circular Linked List: Last node points to the first, forming a loop.

- Circular Doubly Linked List: Combines circular and doubly linked properties.

Complex Points:

- Pointer Manipulation: Ensuring correct updates during insertion/deletion to avoid breaking the list.

- Memory Management: Proper deallocation to prevent memory leaks.

- Special Cases: Handling operations at start, end, or in an empty list.

Applications:

- Dynamic Data Structures: Implementing stacks, queues, etc.

- Navigation: Used in music players for forward/backward navigation.

- Memory Management: Free lists in memory allocation.

- Real-Time Applications: Circular lists used in round-robin scheduling.

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