Data structures are a way of organizing, managing, and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and used efficiently. They are used to frame the organization of information so that machines and humans can better understand it. Data structures are not only used for organizing data, but also for processing, retrieving, and storing data. There are several basic and advanced types of data structures, all designed to arrange data to suit a specific purpose. Some common types of data structures include:

• Arrays: A structure of fixed-size, which can hold items of the same data type. It can be an array of integers, an array of floating-point numbers, an array of strings or even an array of arrays (such as 2-dimensional arrays). Arrays are indexed, meaning that random access is possible.

• Stacks: A linear data structure in which elements are added and removed from only one end, called the top. The last element added to the stack is the first one to be removed (Last In, First Out) .

• Queues: A linear data structure in which elements are added at one end, called the rear, and removed from the other end, called the front. The first element added to the queue is the first one to be removed (First In, First Out) .

• Linked lists: A data structure in which elements are linked together by pointers. Each element, called a node, contains a data field and a pointer to the next node in the list.

• Trees: A non-linear data structure in which elements are arranged in a hierarchical structure. Each element, called a node, has a parent node and zero or more child nodes.

• Graphs: A non-linear data structure in which elements are connected by edges. Each element, called a vertex, can be connected to any number of other vertices.

• Hash tables: A data structure that uses a hash function to map keys to values. It allows for efficient insertion, deletion, and retrieval of data.

• Heaps: A data structure that is a complete binary tree, meaning that all levels of the tree are completely filled except possibly the last level, which is filled from left to right. It is used to maintain the maximum or minimum element in a set of elements.

Data structures are essential for designing efficient algorithms, and some formal design methods and programming languages emphasize data structures as the key organizing factor in software design[[1]](https://...