Page 8 - DCAP407_DATA_STRUCTURE

Anil Sharma, Lovely Professional University Unit 1: Introduction to Data Structures

Unit 1: Introduction to Data Structures

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
1.1 Basic Concepts and Notations of Data Structures
1.1.1 Data Structures and Algorithms
1.1.2 The Concept of Data Type
1.1.3 Data Structure Notations
1.2 Need for Data Structures

1.2.1 Goals of Data Structure
1.2.2 Features of Data Structure
1.3 Classification of Data Structure
1.3.1 Primitive Data Structure
1.3.2 Non-primitive Data Structure
1.4 Abstract Data Type
1.4.1 Abstract Data Type (ADT) Model
1.5 Data Structure Operations

1.5.1 Operations on Primitive Data Structure
1.5.2 Operations on Non-primitive Data Structure
1.6 Summary
1.7 Keywords
1.8 Self Assessment
1.9 Review Questions

1.10 Further Readings
Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Understand the basic concepts and notations of data structures
• Discuss the need for data structures
• Explain the classification of data structures
• Discuss abstract data types

• Explain data structure operations
Introduction
The term data refers to numerical or other information represented in a form, suitable for processing by
a computer. Structure can be defined as the way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a
whole. A data structure can be defined as the combination of data and all the potential operations,
which are required for those set of data. The basic data items include bits, characters and integers. Data
structures deal with manipulation and assembling of data. However, the data available is usually in the

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 1