Arrays and Linked Lists

By : Manglika Tripathi

Updated : Feb 25, 2021, 3:15

Arrays and linked lists are data storage facilities that can store data of similar types. Since both have a similar type of function, we use them differently in different situations. Going by the arrays and linked lists book should learn to identify the need for arrays or linked lists in different data storage situations. Since both arrays and linked lists are themselves a data storage topic, we will discuss their functions, and advantages and disadvantages in the coming section. Arrays and linked lists GATE questions come in many exams, including CAT, GATE CS, PDU CS, SDE interviews, and more. Arrays and linked lists online tests also form a part of various state and national level exams.

Important Arrays and linked lists Topics for GATE CS

The data structure is a broad topic and has a vast syllabus. The major topics for arrays and linked lists study material for GATE CS is given below. We will check on some major differences between the arrays and linked lists.

Arrays

Explanation

Collection of similar types of independent elements.

Collection of similar types of elements connected with each other by pointers.

We can randomly access the elements of the array from any side.

We can online access the elements sequentially as random accessing is not allowed in case of pointers.

Tips to Solve Arrays and linked lists Questions for GATE CS

The following are some tips that you can follow while solving arrays and linked lists questions. Prepare for the topic by solving previous years’ question papers well.

  • Arrays and linked lists GATE questions and answers PDF are based on the data storage functions and their types. Hence you should focus on the data storage section for programming topics.
  • Prepare excellent arrays and linked lists notes for the GATE that contains all the details of the syntactic analysis. Those arrays and linked lists GATE notes will help you in revisions.
  • Practise arrays and linked lists online quizzes from online sites. These online tests help you in preparation for the real exam.
  • Be clear with the arrays and linked lists topics for GATE CS as there are many repetitive topics, including accessing random elements in the array and finding the pointers attached to any given element in the linked list.

Importance of Arrays and linked lists in GATE

Here's why the tree is an integral part of the GATE and other competitive exams:

  • It checks whether you can make a workable data storing function using various types of storage. It also checks your grasp on the arrays and linked lists GATE syllabus.
  • The weightage of arrays ad linked lists in GATE CS is 2% to 5% in the exam.
  • GATE requires you to acquire the basic knowledge of pointers and C programming. It helps to maintain the accuracy of any main program.
  • These concepts are used in real-life situations as a software engineer/ data analyst, solving various programming problems.

Most Recommended Books for Arrays and linked lists for GATE

The following are some excellent books of arrays and linked lists for computer science that can help you prepare for the arrays and linked lists syllabus for GATE CS.

Book Title

Author

The C Programming Language

Brian K

C Programming: Absolute Beginner's Guide

Greg Perry

Expert C Programming

Peter Van Der Linden

Why Prepare Arrays and linked lists from BYJU'S Exam Prep?

It is an online study platform that covers excellent quality tutorials and questions regarding the topic. You can get all the preparatory materials like arrays and linked lists quiz, arrays and linked lists MCQ PDF, arrays and linked lists MCQ questions with solutions, and more from BYJU'S Exam Prep website. These preparatory materials are a valuable source to test your exam preparation levels and boost your main exam performance. To prepare well for the exams, our experienced educators have designed arrays and linked lists notes for CS and arrays and linked lists notes for GATE PDF for students that help you in the revision.

FAQs:

Q. What is an array?

Arrays are the linear data storage places allocated in the memory to store similar types of data elements

Q. What is the importance of a linked list?

Linked lists are not fixed, and elements can be stored anywhere in the memory. It ensures that adding new elements is not as expensive, as it doesn't require creating a new memory.

Q. Which of the following has better cache locality: Arrays or Linked Lists?

Arrays have better cache locality from the given options, making a huge difference in the program performance

Q. Which operations can be performed easily on the linked lists?

Compared to arrays, the operations such as INSERT and DELETE can be performed easily on the linked lists as they save time.

Q. How can linked lists provide storage anywhere in the memory space?

Linked lists use pointers that reference the pointed element back to their source address.