What is the difference between an array and a linked list, and when would you choose one over the other?

1 Answers
Answered by suresh

Array vs Linked List - Differences and Use Cases

Array vs Linked List

Arrays and linked lists are popular data structures in programming, each with its unique characteristics and use cases.

Differences:

  • Storage: Arrays store elements in contiguous memory locations, while linked lists use separate nodes with pointers.
  • Size: Arrays have a fixed size, whereas linked lists can dynamically grow and shrink.
  • Insertion/Deletion: Inserting and deleting elements in arrays can be inefficient as it may require shifting elements, while linked lists excel at these operations with constant time complexity.
  • Access: Array elements can be accessed in constant time using indices, whereas linked list traversal takes linear time.

Selection Criteria:

Choose an array when:

  • You need constant-time access to elements based on index.
  • The size of the collection is known in advance and does not change frequently.

Choose a linked list when:

  • You frequently perform insertions and deletions in the collection.
  • The size of the collection may vary and needs to be dynamically adjusted.

For further information on data structures and algorithms, stay tuned for our upcoming content.

Answer for Question: What is the difference between an array and a linked list, and when would you choose one over the other?