Linear Data Structure vs Non Linear Data Structure
Data structure where data elements are arranged sequentially or linearly where each and every element is attached to its previous and next adjacent is called a 'linear data structure'. Data structures where data elements are not arranged sequentially or linearly are called 'non-linear data structures'.
Differences between Linear Data Structure and Non Linear Data Structure are stated below
| Linear Data Structure | Non-linear Data Structure |
|---|---|
| In a linear data structure, data elements are arranged in a linear order where each and every element is attached to its previous and next adjacent. | In a non-linear data structure, data elements are attached in hierarchically manner. |
| In linear data structure, single level is involved. | Whereas in non-linear data structure, multiple levels are involved. |
| Its implementation is easy in comparison to non-linear data structure. | While its implementation is complex in comparison to linear data structure. |
| In linear data structure, data elements can be traversed in a single run only. | While in non-linear data structure, data elements can’t be traversed in a single run only. |
| In a linear data structure, memory is not utilized in an efficient way. | While in a non-linear data structure, memory is utilized in an efficient way. |
| Its examples are: array, stack, queue, linked list, etc. | While its examples are: trees and graphs. |
| Applications of linear data structures are mainly in application software development. | Applications of non-linear data structures are in Artificial Intelligence and image processing. |