Data Structures and Algorithms in C

1
DATA STRUCTURES ALGORITHMS IN C
https//nareshit.com/courses/c-language-online-tra
ining
2
INTRODUCTION
In the world of programming, the ability to
efficiently store, organize, and manipulate data
is key to solving complex problems. Data
structures and algorithms (DSA) are fundamental
concepts in computer science that help developers
structure and process data efficiently. C, a
powerful low-level programming language, is
well-suited for implementing various data
structures and algorithms due to its speed,
simplicity, and control over system resources.
This article explores common data structures and
algorithms implemented in C and their importance
in solving real-world problems
3
WHAT ARE DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS?
Data Structures are ways of organizing and
storing data so that it can be accessed and
modified efficiently. Examples include arrays,
linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and
graphs. Algorithms are step-by-step procedures or
formulas for solving problems. They use data
structures to process and manipulate data.
Algorithms help in sorting, searching, and
optimizing solutions for specific problems. WHY
USE C FOR DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS? C is a
language that provides a fine level of control
over system resources, making it ideal for
implementing data structures and algorithms. Some
key reasons for using C include Memory
Management C allows manual memory management
using pointers, providing control over the
allocation and deallocation of memory. Efficiency
Due to its low-level nature, C provides high
performance and fast execution, making it ideal
for performance-critical applications. Portability
Programs written in C can run on various
platforms with minimal changes, making it ideal
for cross-platform development.
4
COMMON DATA STRUCTURES IN C
1. Arrays
2.Linked Lists
An array is a collection of elements of the same
type, stored in contiguous memory locations. It
allows for efficient access to elements via
an index. Operations Insertion, deletion,
searching, and traversal.

• A linked list is a linear data structure where
  elements (nodes) are stored in non-contiguous memo
  ry locations. Each node contains data and a
  reference (or pointer) to the next node in the
  sequence.
• Types Singly linked list, doubly linked list,
  and circular linked list.
• Operations Insertion, deletion, searching, and
  traversal.
• Time Complexity Insertion and deletion at the
  head are O(1) searching is O(n).

Time Complexity Access insertion and deletion
is O(1), but can be O(n)
depending on the location.
Example (Singly Linked List Node) struct Node
int data struct Node next
EXAMPLE
INT ARR5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
https//nareshit.com/courses/c-language-online-tra
ining
5
3. Stacks
4. Queues
1. Queues A queue is a collection that follows the
First In, First Out
A stack is a collection that follows the Last In,
First Out (LIFO) principle. Only the top
element can be accessed at any given time.
(FIFO) principle. Elements are added at the rear a
nd removed from the front. Operations Enqueue (in
sert), dequeue (remove), and peek (view front
element).
Operations Push (insert), pop (remove), and peek
(view top element). Time Complexity Push and pop
operations are O(1). Example struct Stack int
arr10 int top
Time Complexity Enqueue and dequeue operations
are
O(1). Example
struct Queue int arr10 int front, rear
https//nareshit.com/courses/c-language-online-tra
ining
6
Graphs
5. Trees
A graph is a collection of nodes (vertices) and
edges that connect pairs of nodes. It can be
represented using an adjacency matrix or
adjacency list. Types Directed, undirected,
weighted, and unweighted graphs. Operations
Traversal (BFS, DFS), searching, and shortest
path. Time Complexity DFS and BFS are O(V E),
where V is the number of vertices and E is
the number of edges. Example (Adjacency
List) struct Graph int V struct Node
adjListMAX_VERTICES
A tree is a hierarchical data structure
consisting of nodes, where each node has a value
and references to its child nodes. The most
common type of tree is the binary tree, where
each node has at most two children. Operation
s Insertion, deletion, traversal (in-
order, pre-order, post-order), searching. Time
Complexity In a balanced binary tree,
insertion, deletion, and searching are O(log
n). Example (Binary Tree Node) struct TreeNode
int data struct TreeNode left struct
TreeNode right
7
COMMON ALGORITHMS IN C
1.SORTING ALGORITHMS Sorting algorithms arrange
elements in a specific order (ascending or
descending). Some common sorting algorithms
include Bubble Sort A simple comparison-based
algorithm, but with a time complexity of O(n2).
Quick Sort A divide-and-conquer algorithm with
an average time complexity of O(n log n). Merge
Sort Another divide-and-conquer algorithm with
O(n log n) time complexity. Example (Bubble
Sort) void bubbleSort(int arr, int n) for
(int i 0 i lt n-1 i) for (int j 0 j lt
n-i-1 j) if (arrj gt arrj1) int temp
arrj arrj arrj1 arrj1
temp
8
2. SEARCHING ALGORITHMS
Searching algorithms are used to find an element
in a collection. Common search algorithms
include Linear Search A simple search that
checks each element one by one, with a time
complexity of O(n). Binary Search A faster
search algorithm that works on sorted arrays,
with a time complexity of O(log n). Example
(Binary Search) int binarySearch(int arr, int
low, int high, int key) while (low lt high)
int mid (low high) / 2 if (arrmid
key) return mid else if (arrmid gt key) high
mid - 1 else low mid 1 return -1
9
3. GRAPH TRAVERSAL ALGORITHMS
Graph traversal algorithms explore all the nodes
in a graph. The two most common methods are
Depth-First Search (DFS) Explores as deep as
possible along each branch before backtracking.
Breadth-First Search (BFS) Explores all nodes at
the present depth level before moving on to nodes
at the next level. Example (DFS) void DFS(struct
Graph graph, int v, bool visited) visitedv
true printf("d ", v) struct Node temp
graph-gtadjListv while (temp ! NULL) int
neighbor temp-gtdata if (!visitedneighbor)
DFS(graph, neighbor, visited) temp
temp-gtnext
10
CONCLUSION
Data structures and algorithms form the backbone
of computer science and software development. In
C, implementing these structures and algorithms
is both efficient and flexible, providing
developers with the tools to handle a wide range
of programming challenges. By mastering data
structures and algorithms in C, developers can
create optimized and high-performance
applications that scale effectively. Understanding
how to properly implement and apply these
structures and algorithms will also help improve
problem-solving skills, which are critical for
success in technical fields such as software
engineering, artificial intelligence, and systems
programming.
11
Thank you
91 8179191999 support_at_nareshit.com https//nares
hit.com/courses/c-language-online-training 2nd
Floor, Durga Bhavani Plaza, Ameerpet, Hyderabad