3.1 Classification of Data Structures¶
Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, heaps, and graphs. They can be classified from two dimensions: "logical structure" and "physical structure".
3.1.1 Logical Structure: Linear and Non-Linear¶
Logical structure reveals the logical relationships between data elements. In arrays and linked lists, data is arranged in a certain order, embodying the linear relationship between data; while in trees, data is arranged hierarchically from top to bottom, showing the derived relationship between "ancestors" and "descendants"; graphs are composed of nodes and edges, reflecting complex network relationships.
As shown in Figure 3-1, logical structures can be divided into two major categories: "linear" and "non-linear". Linear structures are more intuitive, indicating that data is linearly arranged in logical relationships; non-linear structures are the opposite, arranged non-linearly.
- Linear data structures: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, where elements have a one-to-one sequential relationship.
- Non-linear data structures: Trees, heaps, graphs, hash tables.
Non-linear data structures can be further divided into tree structures and network structures.
- Tree structures: Trees, heaps, hash tables, where elements have a one-to-many relationship.
- Network structures: Graphs, where elements have a many-to-many relationship.
Figure 3-1 Linear and non-linear data structures
3.1.2 Physical Structure: Contiguous and Dispersed¶
When an algorithm program runs, the data being processed is mainly stored in memory. Figure 3-2 shows a computer memory stick, where each black square contains a memory space. We can imagine memory as a huge Excel spreadsheet, where each cell can store a certain amount of data.
The system accesses data at the target location through memory addresses. As shown in Figure 3-2, the computer assigns a number to each cell in the spreadsheet according to specific rules, ensuring that each memory space has a unique memory address. With these addresses, the program can access data in memory.
Figure 3-2 Memory stick, memory space, memory address
Tip
It is worth noting that comparing memory to an Excel spreadsheet is a simplified analogy. The actual working mechanism of memory is quite complex, involving concepts such as address space, memory management, cache mechanisms, virtual memory, and physical memory.
Memory is a shared resource for all programs. When a block of memory is occupied by a program, it usually cannot be used by other programs at the same time. Therefore, in the design of data structures and algorithms, memory resources are an important consideration. For example, the peak memory occupied by an algorithm should not exceed the remaining free memory of the system; if there is a lack of contiguous large memory blocks, then the data structure chosen must be able to be stored in dispersed memory spaces.
As shown in Figure 3-3, physical structure reflects the way data is stored in computer memory, and can be divided into contiguous space storage (arrays) and dispersed space storage (linked lists). The two physical structures exhibit complementary characteristics in terms of time efficiency and space efficiency.
Figure 3-3 Contiguous space storage and dispersed space storage
It is worth noting that all data structures are implemented based on arrays, linked lists, or a combination of both. For example, stacks and queues can be implemented using either arrays or linked lists; while the implementation of hash tables may include both arrays and linked lists.
- Can be implemented based on arrays: Stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, heaps, graphs, matrices, tensors (arrays with dimensions \(\geq 3\)), etc.
- Can be implemented based on linked lists: Stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, heaps, graphs, etc.
After initialization, linked lists can still adjust their length during program execution, so they are also called "dynamic data structures". After initialization, the length of arrays cannot be changed, so they are also called "static data structures". It is worth noting that arrays can achieve length changes by reallocating memory, thus possessing a certain degree of "dynamism".
Tip
If you find it difficult to understand physical structure, it is recommended to read the next chapter first, and then review this section.