and manipulated. It seeks to find ways to make data access more efficient. When
dealing with data structure, we not only focus on one piece of data, but rather
different set of data and how they can relate to one another in an organized manner.
Differentiate file structure from storage structure. - Answer- Basically, the key
difference is the memory area that is being accessed. When dealing with the
structure that resides the main memory of the computer system, this is referred to as
storage structure. When dealing with an auxiliary structure, we refer to it as file
structures.
When is a binary search best applied? - Answer- A binary search is an algorithm that
is best applied to search a list when the elements are already in order or sorted. The
list is search starting in the middle, such that if that middle value is not the target
search key, it will check to see if it will continue the search on the lower half of the list
or the higher half. The split and search will then continue in the same manner.
What is a linked list? - Answer- A linked list is a sequence of nodes in which each
node is connected to the node following it. This forms a chain-like link of data
storage.
How do you reference all the elements in a one-dimension array? - Answer- To do
this, an indexed loop is used, such that the counter runs from 0 to the array size
minus one. In this manner, we are able to reference all the elements in sequence by
using the loop counter as the array subscript.
In what areas do data structures applied? - Answer- Data structures is important in
almost every aspect where data is involved. In general, algorithms that involve
efficient data structure is applied in the following areas: numerical analysis, operating
system, A.I., compiler design, database management, graphics, and statistical
analysis, to name a few.
What is LIFO? - Answer- LIFO is short for Last In First Out, and refers to how data is
accessed, stored and retrieved. Using this scheme, data that was stored last , should
be the one to be extracted first. This also means that in order to gain access to the
first data, all the other data that was stored before this first data must first be
retrieved and extracted.
What is a queue? - Answer- A queue is a data structures that can simulates a list or
stream of data. In this structure, new elements are inserted at one end and existing
elements are removed from the other end.
, What are binary trees? - Answer- A binary tree is one type of data structure that has
two nodes, a left node and a right node. In programming, binary trees are actually an
extension of the linked list structures.
Which data structures is applied when dealing with a recursive function? - Answer-
Recursion, which is basically a function that calls itself based on a terminating
condition, makes use of the stack. Using LIFO, a call to a recursive function saves
the return address so that it knows how to return to the calling function after the call
terminates.
What is a stack? - Answer- A stack is a data structure in which only the top element
can be accessed. As data is stored in the stack, each data is pushed downward,
leaving the most recently added data on top.
Explain Binary Search Tree - Answer- A binary search tree stores data in such a way
that they can be retrieved very efficiently. The left subtree contains nodes whose
keys are less than the node's key value, while the right subtree contains nodes
whose keys are greater than or equal to the node's key value. Moreover, both
subtrees are also binary search trees.
What are multidimensional arrays? - Answer- Multidimensional arrays make use of
multiple indexes to store data. It is useful when storing data that cannot be
represented using a single dimensional indexing, such as data representation in a
board game, tables with data stored in more than one column.
Are linked lists considered linear or non-linear data structures? - Answer- It actually
depends on where you intend to apply linked lists. If you based it on storage, a linked
list is considered non-linear. On the other hand, if you based it on access strategies,
then a linked list is considered linear.
How does dynamic memory allocation help in managing data? - Answer- Aside from
being able to store simple structured data types, dynamic memory allocation can
combine separately allocated structured blocks to form composite structures that
expand and contract as needed.
What is FIFO? - Answer- FIFO is short for First-in, First-out, and is used to represent
how data is accessed in a queue. Data has been inserted into the queue list the
longest is the one that is removed first.
What is an ordered list? - Answer- An ordered list is a list in which each node's
position in the list is determined by the value of its key component, so that the key
values form an increasing sequence, as the list is traversed.
What is merge sort? - Answer- Merge sort takes a divide-and-conquer approach to
sorting data. In a sequence of data, adjacent ones are merged and sorted to create
bigger sorted lists. These sorted lists are then merged again to form an even bigger
sorted list, which continuous until you have one single sorted list.