Stacks and Queues - An Introduction

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STACKS & QUEUES

Understanding Stacks and Queues is essential for every programmer. These two fundamental data structures are used in everything from basic algorithms to complex system architectures like OS scheduling, compiler parsing, and network packet handling.


HANDLING OF STACKS & QUEUES

Both Stacks and Queues are linear data structures, meaning their elements are arranged in a sequence. However, they differ in how elements are added and removed:

Feature     Stack Queue
Insertion point                     Top                 Rear
Removal point                     Top                 Front
Access pattern Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)       First-In, First-Out (FIFO)

WHAT IS A STACK?

A Stack is a linear structure that follows the LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) principle. This means the last element added is the first to be removed.

Applications of Stack

  • Undo/Redo functionality in editors

  • Backtracking algorithms (e.g., maze solving)

  • Expression evaluation (infix, postfix)

  • Call stack for function calls

  • Browser history

WHAT IS A QUEUE?

A Queue is a linear structure that follows the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principle. The first element added is the first to be removed.

Applications of Queue

  • Task scheduling (CPU, printers)

  • Breadth-First Search (BFS) in graphs

  • Data streaming (real-time data handling)

  • Buffer management in operating systems

  • Order processing systems

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