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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.
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