Data structures are fundamental components of computer programming that allow for the organization and manipulation of data in a manner that is efficient, flexible, and accessible. A data structure is essentially a collection of data items that are organized in a specific way to facilitate their management and utilization within a computer program. There are a wide variety of data structures that have been developed over the years, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Data structures are an essential component of computer science and software engineering. They are used to organize and manage data in a way that makes it easy to access, modify and store. Data structures can be broadly categorized into two types - linear and non-linear. Linear data structures are those in which the data elements are arranged in sequential order, while non-linear data structures are those in which the data elements are arranged in a hierarchical or tree-like structure.