Data Structure = Data + Structure

Data Structure means organizing data in such a way that it becomes easy to store, access, and process.

If data is properly structured, it becomes easier to search, update, and manage.

Example:

Problem (Messy Wardrobe)

Clothes are scattered everywhere.
It becomes difficult to find things.
It takes more time.

Solution (Organized Wardrobe)

Clothes are arranged properly.
Shirts in one place, pants in another place.
Things become easy to find.

Similarly, in computers we organize data in memory so that it can be processed easily and efficiently. This organized way is called Data Structure.

Definition:
A mathematical or logical model of a particular organization of data in memory is called a Data Structure.

Data Structure provides the knowledge of how data should be organized in memory so that programs become efficient and less complex.

2. Objectives of Data Structure

There are mainly two objectives of Data Structure:

1. To Identify Mathematical Model

To identify and create a useful mathematical model and operations for solving a problem.

2. Representation and Implementation

To determine the representation of the model and implement the operations to solve the problem.

Data:

Anything that gives information is called Data.

Examples

2G, 3G, 4G Internet data pack
Gmail messages
Files
Audio
Video
Student name
Student roll number

Structure

The representation or arrangement of data is called Structure.

Examples

Array
List
Graph

Data Structure

Formula:

Data Structure = Data + Structure

Definition:
Data Structure is a way to store and organize data so that it can be used efficiently.