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How does a doubly linked list differ from a singly linked list?
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A doubly linked list has nodes with pointers to both the next and previous nodes, while a singly linked list only has pointers to the next node.
What is a LCP Array and how is it related to suffix arrays?
A LCP (Longest Common Prefix) Array tracks the overlap between two adjacent suffixes in a suffix array, aiding in efficient substring problems.
Why is understanding data structures foundational for computer science?
Choosing the correct data structure is crucial for designing efficient algorithms, reducing computation time, and optimizing resource utilization.
Explain the concept of separate chaining in hash tables.
Separate chaining involves handling collisions in a hash table by storing multiple entries with the same hash index in a linked list.
Explain the significance of Big O Notation in algorithm analysis.
Big O Notation describes the time and space complexity of an algorithm, focusing on worst-case scenarios, helping to predict performance and scalability.
Why are dynamic arrays considered more memory efficient than static arrays?
Dynamic arrays can grow and shrink in size, allowing them to adjust to data needs without wasting memory.
In what use cases might a priority queue be preferred over a standard queue?
Priority queues are preferred when elements need to be processed based on priority levels, such as in scheduling and simulation systems.
What are the operations and complexities associated with a stack?
The primary operations are push and pop, each with a time complexity of O(1).
What are the time complexities for searching and inserting in a binary search tree (BST)?
The average time complexity for both searching and inserting in a BST is O(log n), but it can be O(n) in the worst case if the tree is unbalanced.
What makes a binary tree ‘binary’ and what is the significance of this property?
A binary tree is termed 'binary' because each node has at most two children, facilitating efficient data organization and retrieval.
How does open addressing work as a collision resolution method in hash tables?
Open addressing resolves collisions by finding another open slot within the hash table itself, often through methods like linear probing or quadratic probing.
Why might balancing a tree, such as with AVL trees, be essential for performance?
Balancing ensures operations like search, insert, and delete remain efficient (O(log n)), preventing scenarios that degrade into linear performance.
What is the key difference between an Abstract Data Type (ADT) and a Data Structure?
An ADT defines the behavior (methods) without specifying implementation details, while a data structure provides the specific implementation.
Describe a scenario where a stack would be more appropriate than a queue.
A stack is more appropriate for backtracking algorithms or for implementing undo functionality as it follows LIFO order.
Describe the primary advantage of using a hash table over a linked list for data storage and retrieval.
Hash tables generally offer average O(1) time complexity for insertion and search due to direct indexing, whereas linked lists have O(n) complexity for both.
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