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Stacks in Computer Science

This document explains stacks, a linear data structure that operates on the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle, detailing their basic operations such as push, pop, and peek. It discusses various implementations, including array-based and linked list-based stacks, as well as built-in implementations in programming languages. Additionally, it highlights the advantages of stacks, their applications in function call management, expression evaluation, and undo/redo functionalities, emphasizing their importance in computer science.

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3 views24 pages

Stacks in Computer Science

This document explains stacks, a linear data structure that operates on the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle, detailing their basic operations such as push, pop, and peek. It discusses various implementations, including array-based and linked list-based stacks, as well as built-in implementations in programming languages. Additionally, it highlights the advantages of stacks, their applications in function call management, expression evaluation, and undo/redo functionalities, emphasizing their importance in computer science.

Uploaded by

akd.dhola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as KEY, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Stacks in Computer

Science
Understanding the LIFO Data Structure and Its
Applications
Introduction
This presentation covers the concept of stacks,
their operations, implementations, and
applications in computer science.
01

What is a Stack?
Definition of a
stack
A stack is a linear data structure that follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO)
principle, meaning the most recently added element is the first to be
removed.
LIFO principle
explanation
The LIFO principle denotes that the last element
added to the stack is the first one to be retrieved,
similar to stacking dishes.
Real-world
analogy
Think of a stack of plates: only the top plate can be added or removed,
showcasing how a stack operates in real life.
02

Basic Operations
Push operation
The push operation adds an element to the top of the stack. This is where
new data is inserted for processing.
Pop operation
The pop operation removes the top element from
the stack, allowing access to the most recently
added data.
Peek/Top
operation
The peek operation allows you to view the top element without removing
it, useful for checking the most recent entry.
03
Implementat
ions
Array-based stack
An array-based stack has a fixed size where elements are stored in a
contiguous block of memory. This simplicity allows quick access, but it
can lead to overflow if the size limit is reached. Dynamic resizing can
help but adds complexity.
Linked list-based
stack
A linked list-based stack consists of nodes where each node contains
data and a pointer to the next node. This implementation allows for
dynamic size adjustment and avoids overflow, but incurs overhead for
storing pointers.
Built-in
implementations
in programming
languages
Many programming languages, such as Python
and Java, provide built-in stack implementations
allowing developers to use stacks without needing
to build them from scratch, enhancing productivity
and ensuring reliability.
04

Advantages
Simplicity of use
Stacks are straightforward to understand and
implement, making them ideal for beginners in
data structures. Their limited operations reduce
complexity in application design.
Memory efficiency
Array-based stacks require minimal memory overhead, as they use a
fixed-size structure. In contrast, linked lists dynamically adjust size but
use additional space for pointers, though both can be efficient when
managed correctly.
Function call
management
Stacks are crucial for managing function calls in programming, where
each call is pushed onto a call stack. This allows for easy tracking of
active functions, enabling recursion and backtracking effectively.
05

Applications
Function call stack
management
When a function is called, a new frame is pushed onto the stack
containing local variables and execution context, ensuring that when the
function exits, the previous context is restored properly.
Expression
evaluation

Stacks are utilized in evaluating expressions,


especially in converting and processing infix,
postfix, or prefix expressions. They help maintain
the correct order of operations.
Undo/redo
functionality
In applications like text editors, stacks manage the history of actions,
where each action is pushed onto a stack. The undo operation pops
actions off the stack, providing a way to revert changes seamlessly.
Conclusions
Stacks are fundamental data structures in computer science, facilitating
function management, expression evaluation, and efficient undo/redo
operations. Their versatility and efficiency make them essential in both
theoretical and practical aspects of programming.
Thank you!
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