Introduction to Data Structure
• Computer is an electronic machine which is used for data processing and manipulation.
• When programmer collects such type of data for processing, he would require to store all of
them in computer’s main memory.
• In order to make computer work we need to know
o Representation of data in computer.
o Accessing of data.
o How to solve problem step by step.
• For doing this task we use data structure.
What is Data Structure?
• Data structure is a representation of the logical relationship existing between individual
elements of data.
• Data Structure is a way of organizing all data items that considers not only the elements
stored but also their relationship to each other.
• We can also define data structure as a mathematical or logical model of a particular
organization of data items.
• The representation of particular data structure in the main memory of a computer is called as
storage structure.
• The storage structure representation in auxiliary memory is called as file structure.
• It is defined as the way of storing and manipulating data in organized form so that it can be
used efficiently.
• Data Structure mainly specifies the following four things
o Organization of Data
o Accessing methods
o Degree of associativity
o Processing alternatives for information
• Algorithm + Data Structure = Program
• Data structure study covers the following points
o Amount of memory require to store.
o Amount of time require to process.
o Representation of data in memory.
o Operations performed on that data.
Data Structures are normally classified into two broad categories
