data structure

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Word: Data Structure

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: In computer science, a data structure is a way of organizing and storing data so that it can be used efficiently. Think of it as a way to arrange information in a computer so that it can be easily accessed and modified.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: You can use "data structure" when talking about how information is stored in a computer program. For example, you might say, "I need to choose the right data structure for my program."
• Advanced Usage: In more complex discussions, you can mention specific types of data structures, like arrays, linked lists, or trees. For example, "A binary tree is a type of data structure that helps organize data hierarchically."

Examples:

1. Basic Example: "A list is a simple data structure that can hold a collection of items."
2. Advanced Example: "In my algorithm, I used a hash table as the data structure to improve the speed of searching for items."

Word Variants:

• Data (noun): The information that is stored.
• Structure (noun): The arrangement or organization of something.

Different Meanings:

• In everyday language, "structure" can refer to anything that is built or organized, such as a building or a system. However, when combined with "data," it specifically refers to the organization of information in a computer context.

Synonyms:

• Information organization
• Data organization
• Storage format

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "data structure," but you might hear phrases like:
  • "Put your data in order" (meaning to organize information).
  • "Sort through the data" (meaning to organize or categorize information).

Summary:

A data structure is an important concept in computer science that helps programmers manage and manipulate data efficiently.

Academic

Noun

1. (computer science) the organization of data (and its storage allocations in a computer)