Properties of the array and list data structures

  • The array data structure is designed for speed (sacrificing flexibility):

      • Every array element in an array can be access immediately

      • Increasing the size of an array is difficult or even impossible

  • The linked list data structure is designed for flexibility (sacrificing speed):

      • Inserting (= increasing the size) into a linked list is easy

      • Accessing a list element requires traversing (= take time !) the list


  • Accessing data stored in a data structure:

    • How to access data stored in a data structure depends on the structure/organization of the data structure