Software Engineering basics - Linear and Non-Linear data structure

1. Linear Data Structure

Definition:

In a linear data structure, data elements are arranged in a sequential manner, and each element is connected to its previous and next element. Data is stored and accessed in linear order.

Key Features:

  • Elements are arranged one after another.

  • Easy to traverse in a single run.

  • Memory is mostly used in a contiguous block.

Examples:

  • Array

  • Linked List

  • Stack

  • Queue

Use Cases:

  • Arrays for indexed access to data.

  • Stacks in expression evaluation and backtracking.

  • Queues in scheduling and asynchronous tasks.

2. Non-Linear Data Structure

Definition:

In a non-linear data structure, data elements are arranged hierarchically or in a non-sequential manner. One element can be connected to multiple elements.

Key Features:

  • No strict linear order.

  • Can represent complex relationships.

  • Memory is not necessarily contiguous.

Examples:

  • Tree (e.g., Binary Tree, BST, AVL Tree)

  • Graph (Directed, Undirected, Weighted, etc.)

  • Heap

Use Cases:

  • Trees in hierarchical data like file systems.

  • Graphs in networks, maps, and social media connections.

  • Heaps in priority queues.