Introduction To Data Structures

Data structures are a fundamental concept in computer science and programming. They provide a way to organize and store data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently. Different data structures are suited to different kinds of applications, and some are highly specialized to specific tasks. In this introduction, we will explore the basics of data structures and how they can be used in Python.

What are Data Structures?

Data structures are containers that store data in a specific layout. This layout allows the data to be managed and used efficiently. Data structures are critical in designing efficient algorithms and play a key role in both software development and system design.

Types of Data Structures

Data structures can be broadly classified into two categories:

Primitive Data Structures:
These are the most basic data structures, such as integers, floats, characters, and booleans.

Non-Primitive Data Structures:
These are more complex data structures and can be classified into:
- Linear Data Structures: Arrays, Lists, Stacks, Queues
- Non-Linear Data Structures: Trees, Graphs
- Hash-based Data Structures: Hash tables, Sets