What is the difference between an array and a linked list in terms of storage allocation and performance?

What is the difference between an array and a linked list in terms of storage allocation and performance?

When comparing an array and a linked list in terms of storage allocation and performance, it's important to understand the key distinctions.

Array:

Arrays are contiguous blocks of memory that store elements of the same type. Elements in an array are accessed using their indices, which allows for fast random access. However, arrays have a fixed size and require contiguous memory allocation, which can lead to memory fragmentation.

Linked List:

A linked list is a data structure where each element, known as a node, contains the data and a reference to the next node in the sequence. Linked lists do not require contiguous memory allocation, which allows for dynamic sizing and efficient insertion and deletion operations. However, linked lists have slower access times compared to arrays since elements are accessed sequentially.

Comparison:

In summary, arrays provide fast random access but are limited by their fixed size and memory allocation requirements. On the other hand, linked lists offer dynamic sizing and efficient insertion/deletion operations at the expense of slower access times due to sequential traversal.

For optimal performance, the choice between an array and a linked list should be based on the specific requirements of the application and the operations being performed.