Difference between Array and Linked List - Data Structures Interview Question

One of the most common questions in data structures interviews is about the difference between arrays and linked lists. Understanding this difference is crucial for efficient data storage and retrieval.

Arrays:

• Arrays are static data structures, meaning they have a fixed size.
• Elements in an array are stored in contiguous memory locations.
• Direct access to any element in an array is possible using indexing.
• Array operations like insertion or deletion can be inefficient as they may require shifting elements.

Linked Lists:

• Linked lists are dynamic data structures, allowing for flexible size changes.
• Elements in a linked list are connected using pointers, not necessarily stored in contiguous memory locations.
• Traversal in a linked list must start from the head node and follow pointers to reach a specific element.
• Insertions and deletions are efficient in linked lists as they only require adjusting pointers.

In summary, the key difference lies in their implementation and performance characteristics. Array benefits from direct access, while linked lists offer flexibility and efficient insertion/deletion operations.