Data Structures - Important Questions & Answers
1. Define Data Structure (4 Marks):
A data structure is a specialized format to organize, manage, and store data efficiently, enabling easy access and
modification.
It defines the relationship among data elements and the operations that can be performed on them.
Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
Choosing the right data structure improves algorithm performance and resource utilization.
2. Define Abstract Data Type (ADT) with Example:
An Abstract Data Type is a model for data structures that defines the data and the operations that can be performed on
it,
without specifying how these operations are implemented. It focuses on what the data does, not how it does it.
Example:
A Stack is an ADT that follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle.
Operations like push(item), pop(), and peek() are defined,
but how the stack is implemented (using an array or a linked list) is hidden from the user.
3. Define the following: Time Complexity, Space Complexity, Time-Space Trade-off
Time Complexity:
Time Complexity is a measure of the amount of computational time an algorithm takes to complete, based on the size of
the input.
Space Complexity:
Space Complexity refers to the total memory an algorithm uses during execution, including input storage, auxiliary
space, and recursion stack.
Time-Space Trade-off:
The Time-Space Trade-off is the concept where increasing memory usage can reduce computation time, and vice
versa.
Data Structures - Important Questions & Answers
Example: Using extra space to store precomputed results in memoization to save time later.
4. Define Algorithm and its Characteristics (4 Marks):
Algorithm:
An algorithm is a finite set of well-defined instructions or steps that solve a specific problem or perform a task.
It takes some input, processes it, and produces the desired output.
Characteristics:
1. Input: Should have zero or more well-defined inputs.
2. Output: Must produce at least one output.
3. Finiteness: Must complete in a finite number of steps.
4. Definiteness: Each step must be clear and unambiguous.
5. Effectiveness: Steps should be basic enough to be performed using a machine or human.
5. Explain Element Data Organization with Example:
Element Data Organization refers to how individual data elements are arranged and structured in memory so they can
be accessed and used efficiently.
Example:
Array:
In an array, elements are stored in contiguous memory locations.
Index: 0 1 2 3 4
Value: 10 20 30 40 50
Each element can be accessed directly using its index, like arr[2] = 30.
Linked List:
Elements are stored in nodes, each containing data and a pointer to the next node. They may not be in consecutive
memory.
Data Structures - Important Questions & Answers
Choosing the right organization helps optimize operations like search, insert, and delete.
