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Linear vs Non-Linear Data Structures

Linear data structures like arrays and linked lists store elements in a sequential order, where each element has a direct connection to the next. Non-linear data structures like trees and graphs do not store elements sequentially and instead can connect elements in multiple ways to represent relationships. Linear data structures can be represented in memory either through sequential memory locations as in arrays or through links between elements as in linked lists.

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413 views1 page

Linear vs Non-Linear Data Structures

Linear data structures like arrays and linked lists store elements in a sequential order, where each element has a direct connection to the next. Non-linear data structures like trees and graphs do not store elements sequentially and instead can connect elements in multiple ways to represent relationships. Linear data structures can be represented in memory either through sequential memory locations as in arrays or through links between elements as in linked lists.

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mcavimal2011
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© © All Rights Reserved
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What is linear and non-linear data

structures?
A data structure is classified into two categories: Linear and Non-Linear data structures. A data
structure is said to be linear if the elements form a sequence, for example Array, Linked list, queue
etc. Elements in a nonlinear data structure do not form a sequence, for example Tree, Hash tree,
Binary tree, etc.

There are two ways of representing linear data structures in memory. One way is to have the linear
relationship between the elements by means of sequential memory locations. Such linear structures
are called arrays. The other way is to have the linear relationship between the elements represented
by means of links. Such linear data structures are called linked list.

Define a linear and non linear data structure.


Linear data fashion- Linked list is an example of linear data storage or structure. Linked list stores
data in an organized a linear fashion. They store data in the form of a list.

Non Linear data structure- Tree data structure is an example of a non linear data structure. A tree
has one node called as root node that is the starting point that holds data and links to other nodes.

Define a linear and non linear data structure.


Linear data structure: A linear data structure traverses the data elements sequentially, in which only
one data element can directly be reached. Ex: Arrays, Linked Lists

Non-Linear data structure: Every data item is attached to several other data items in a way that is
specific for reflecting relationships. The data items are not arranged in a sequential structure. Ex:
Trees, Graphs

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