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Data Structures Assignment

This document analyzes and compares linear data structures (linked lists) and non-linear data structures (binary search trees) for efficiently managing student records. The performance comparison shows that while linked lists are simpler, binary search trees offer superior efficiency in operations like insertion, search, and deletion for larger datasets. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate data structure based on specific problem requirements and data characteristics.

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hussainiaminumuntaka
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18 views2 pages

Data Structures Assignment

This document analyzes and compares linear data structures (linked lists) and non-linear data structures (binary search trees) for efficiently managing student records. The performance comparison shows that while linked lists are simpler, binary search trees offer superior efficiency in operations like insertion, search, and deletion for larger datasets. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate data structure based on specific problem requirements and data characteristics.

Uploaded by

hussainiaminumuntaka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Comparative Analysis of Linear and Non-Linear Data Structures

Objective

This assignment aims to analyze and compare the performance and applicability of key linear and

non-linear data structures-specifically arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues (linear) vs. binary search

trees (BST) and graphs (non-linear)-to solve a basic real-world problem. We will also evaluate their

runtime performance and provide clean, optimized code implementations.

Problem Statement

Design a system that stores and retrieves student records efficiently. The system should support the

following operations:

1. Insert a new student record

2. Search for a student by ID

3. Delete a student by ID

4. List all students in ascending order by ID

Implement this system using:

- A Linked List (Linear Data Structure)

- A Binary Search Tree (Non-Linear Data Structure)

Compare the performance of these two implementations and write a short report on findings.

Data Structure Overview

| Data Structure | Type | Key Characteristics |

|----------------|------------|--------------------------------------------------|

| Linked List | Linear | Fast insertions/deletions, slow search |

| BST | Non-Linear | Fast insert/search/delete (O(log n) average if balanced)


Performance Comparison

| Operation | Linked List (Avg Case) | BST (Avg Case) |

|------------------|------------------------|------------------|

| Insert | O(n) | O(log n) |

| Search | O(n) | O(log n) |

| Delete | O(n) | O(log n) |

| Display (Sorted) | O(n) | O(n)

Conclusion: The BST outperforms the linked list in most operations, especially for large datasets,

due to its logarithmic search and insert times (assuming it's balanced). However, linked lists are

simpler and can be more efficient for small or frequently modified data.

Technical Report Summary

- Linear structures like linked lists are easier to implement but scale poorly.

- Non-linear structures like BSTs are more complex but provide better performance for sorted

operations.

- Choosing the right data structure is crucial based on the problem constraints and expected data

size.

- Clean, readable, and modular code enhances maintainability and efficiency.

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