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

Understanding the Difference Between Array and Linked List

When it comes to memory allocation and efficiency, there are key distinctions between arrays and linked lists.

Arrays:

In arrays, memory allocation is sequential, meaning elements are stored contiguously in memory. This allows for direct access to any element using its index value. However, arrays have a fixed size, which can lead to memory wastage if not fully utilized.

Linked Lists:

Linked lists, on the other hand, do not require contiguous memory allocation. Each element (node) in a linked list points to the next element, enabling dynamic memory allocation. While linked lists provide flexibility in size, they incur overhead due to additional memory required to store pointers.

Memory Allocation Comparison:

Arrays offer efficient memory access but may waste space due to fixed size allocation. In contrast, linked lists provide dynamic sizing but entail overhead for storing pointers.

Efficiency:

For operations like insertion and deletion, linked lists perform better due to their dynamic nature, while arrays excel in random access operations.

Therefore, understanding the differences in memory allocation and efficiency between arrays and linked lists is crucial in selecting the appropriate data structure for specific use cases.