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

What is the Difference between an Array and a Linked List in Terms of Memory Allocation and Performance?

When comparing an array and a linked list in terms of memory allocation and performance, the primary difference lies in how they are structured and accessed.

Memory Allocation:

Arrays are contiguous blocks of memory that store elements of the same data type. This means that elements in an array are stored next to each other in memory, making it easier to access elements based on their index. On the other hand, a linked list is comprised of nodes that store the data and a reference (pointer) to the next node. Each node in a linked list can be located at different memory locations, which allows for dynamic memory allocation and efficient insertion or deletion operations.

Performance:

Array operations, such as accessing elements by index or iterating through the elements, are generally faster compared to linked lists due to the direct memory access. However, arrays have a fixed size and resizing them can be inefficient as it may involve copying elements to a new location. Linked lists, on the other hand, provide flexibility in terms of size and structure modifications (insertion and deletion of elements) without the need for moving elements in memory. This makes linked lists more suitable for scenarios where frequent modifications occur.

Ultimately, the choice between an array and a linked list depends on the specific requirements of the application in terms of memory management and performance trade-offs.