How are data structures used in the real world?

Computer programming has advanced significantly from the beginning of the first programming languages to the contemporary programming languages currently in use. It is now more potent, effective, and sophisticated. The underlying ideas behind data structures and algorithms, however, have not altered throughout time. Since its inception, DSA has served as the foundation of computer programming.

DSA is frequently employed in the field of computer science, as you may have heard. However, DSA’s applications are not just found in the world of computing. DSA is a concept that is also present in everyday life. We will talk about the common definition of DSA that people use on a daily basis in this blog. Let’s first understand the fundamentals of data structures and algorithms, though, before moving on.

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What is Data Structure and Algorithm?

Developing computer programmes that are machine-efficient and optimised falls under the domain of data structures and algorithms, a subfield of computer science. Data organisation and storage are referred to as data structures, and problem-solving methods are described in terms of algorithms. In software engineering, we optimise the codes by fusing “data structure” with “algorithm.”

How can you relate DSA to your day to day life?

Stack Data Structure to Reverse a String

A stack is a linear data structure, where “linear” refers to the order in which the items are arranged. Only once the earlier elements have been accessed may a new element be accessible.

A stack can be imagined as a number of dishes stacked on top of one another. Until the plates above are removed, no plate below the topmost plate can be directly reached. Only the top can be used to install or remove plates.

Queue Data Structure while Boarding a Bus

The items of a queue are sorted according to the FIFO (First In First Out) rule and are another type of linear data structure. It is comparable to the line of people waiting to board a bus. The individual who enters the line first is the one who boards the bus first. While passengers board the bus from the front, additional passengers can join the line towards the back.

Graph Data Structure in Social Media and Google Map

A graph is a collection of related objects. Each thing is referred to as a node, and the line connecting them is referred to as an edge.

You most likely utilise sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others. A wonderful example of a graph in usage is social media. Graphs are used in social media to store user data. Similar to Graph, each user in this instance is a node. And if one user, let’s call him Jack, befriends another user, let’s name her Rose, then Jack and Rose have an edge (relationship). Similar to this, as our social connections grow, so do the graph’s nodes and edges.

Sorting Algorithm to Arrange Books in the Shelf

Simply put, sorting is the methodical arrangement of comparable elements. Consider how you may arrange books on a shelf according to their height. If we do it the other way around, the taller books will be on the left and the shorter volumes will be on the right.

Algorithms for sorting use this same idea. In DSA, various sorting methods are accessible. Even though each algorithm’s goal is the same, they all operate differently due to a variety of factors.

Searching Algorithm to Find a Book in a Shelf

As its name implies, searching aids in item discovery. Let’s say you wish to look for a particular book on a shelf. There is no particular order to the books in the self. How would you locate the book in the lowest amount of time if you had to? DSA offers the answer to this problem.

You might be saying to yourself, “I’ll start looking for the book at the beginning and find it.” From the top of the shelf to the bottom, you will be looking for books one at a time in this scenario. Linear Search utilises a similar idea.

Final Words

DSA has great importance in the recruitment process of software companies as well. Recruiters use DSA to test the ability of the programmer because it shows the problem-solving capability of the candidate.

As you can see from the above examples, we are able to relate DSA with our day to day life and make it more fun to study. For those who are from non-technical backgrounds, they can also learn the techniques used in the algorithms for solving their daily problems.