Difference Between Array and Linked List
“Ever wondered why we use arrays in some situations and linked lists in others? Both are ways to store data, but they’re quite different. In this article, we’ll break down these differences in simple terms. Why would you pick one over the other? Let’s find out!”
Table of Content
- Difference Between Array and Linked List: Array vs Linked List
- What is an Array in Data Structure?
- What is a Linked List in Data Structure?
- Key Differences and Similarities Between Array and Data Structure
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What is the difference between Array and Linked List?
| Array | Linked List | |
| Definition | An array is a linearly-ordered data structure with the same type of elements in contiguous memory addresses. | A linked list data structure represents a sequence of nodes. |
| Size | Fixed Size | Dynamic Size |
| Memory Allocation | Contiguous | Disparate |
| Memory Usage | Memory efficient due to the contiguous memory allocation and no extra pointers. | Requires extra memory for pointers. |
| Insertion/Deletion Time | O(n): worst case (when insertion or deletion is done at the beginning or in the middle) | O(1): if insertion is done at the beginning.O(n): If insertion is done at the end without a tail pointer. |
| Search Time | O(n): Worst Case (linear search)O(logn): With binary search if sorted. | O(n): Worst Case (linear search) |
| Access Time | O(1): For direct access using indexes | O(n), since elements need to be traversed sequentially. |
| Delete Time | O(n): If removing from the beginning and the middle.O(1): If removing from the end. | O(1): Removing from the beginning.O(n): removing from the middle and the end. |
| Use Cases | When the size is known and fixed, it can also be if the insertion and deletion are not required much. | Best when the deletion and insertion require more than simple access to the data. |
| Example: | Storing pixel data in image, lookup tables. | Implementing data structure lie stack and queue. |
What is an Array in Data Structure?
The array is a data structure that is used to hold elements of the same type.
For instance, an integer array will store only integer values, whereas a character array will store characters only.
Types of an Array
Arrays are broadly classified into:
One-Dimensional Array
- It is a simplest form of an array, in which the value or items are organized sequentially.
- Index value runs from 0 to size – 1.
- Example: Storing the name of all student in a class.
Multi-Dimensional Array
- Arrays with more than or equal to two dimensions.
- In simple terms, it can be considered as arrays of array.
- Example: Matrix, chess board, pixel data in greyscale.
What is a Linked List in Data Structure?
A linked list is a linear data structure used for storing collections of data in the form of nodes. Each node in a linked list store two elements – data and address of next node.
- A linked list starts with HEAD (denoting the memory location of the first node) and ends with the last node pointing to NULL value.
- It stores the data in the random memory location, and this random allocation helps to add/delete any number of elements.
Representation of Linked List
A linked list is a chain of nodes, and each node has the following parts:
- Data – Stores the information
- Next – Stores the address to next node
Types of Linked List
Linked Lists are broadly classified into three categories:
Singly Linked List
- Generally, a Linked List means a singly linked list.
- Every node contains some data and points to the address of the next node of the same data type in sequence.
- It is uni-directional.
- It allows the traversal of data in a single direction.
Doubly Linked List
- It is a two-way linked list containing pointers to the previous as well as the next node in the sequence.
- In the Doubly linked list, you can traverse forward as well as backward.
Circular Linked List
- Dissimilar to singly and doubly linked lists, you can traverse in the form of a circle.
- In the circular linked list, you can start from any node and traverse the list either forward or backwards until you reach the starting node.
- The last node contains the pointer to the first node of the list.
- i.e., no starting or endpoint.
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Key Differences and Similarities Between Array and Linked List
- An array is a linearly ordered data structure with the same type of elements in contiguous memory addresses, whereas a Linked List represents a sequence of nodes.
- An array is always of a fixed size, while the size of the linked list is dynamic.
- An array stores the data at contiguous memory allocation, whereas a linked list stores the data at disparate memory allocations.
- Linked List is useful when the deletion and insertion require more than simple access to data. In contrast, an array is useful when the size of the list is known and fixed, and the manipulation of the list is not required much.
Conclusion
Array and Linked List are two different data types that are used for different purposes. An array is a linearly-ordered data structure with the same type of elements in contiguous memory addresses, whereas a Linked List represents a sequence of nodes.
Arrays are used when you do not need regular insertion or deletion. It is best when you just have to access the element from the pre saved data. In contrast, Linked List is useful when you have to regularly update the data, i.e., you have to insert new value or delete the existing element.
In this article, we have briefly discussed the difference between array and linked list in data structure.
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FAQs
What is an Array in Data Structure?
An array is a data structure that is used to hold elements of the same type. For instance, an integer array will store only integer values, whereas a character array will store characters only.
What is a Linked List in Data Structure?
A linked list is a linear data structure used for storing collections of data in the form ofu00a0nodes. Each node in a linked list store two elements u2013u00a0datau00a0andu00a0addressu00a0of next node.
What is the difference between Array and Linked List in Data Structure?
Array and Linked List are two different data types that are used for different purposes. An array is a linearly ordered data structure with the same type of elements in contiguous memory addresses, whereas a Linked List represents a sequence of nodes.
Vikram has a Postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics, with a keen interest in Data Science and Machine Learning. He has experience of 2+ years in content creation in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, and Mac... Read Full Bio
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