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Difference Between Stack and Queue

Introduction

Stacks and Queues are programming language elements that help the user solve any difficulties that may arise. Although both the stack and the queue are classified as non-primitive data structures, they vary in key ways. Stack and queue are abstract data types in computer science that are basic data structures that employ pointers to describe dynamic collections. However, there is a Difference Between Stack and Queue in terms of implementation.

Difference Between Stack and Queue

What exactly is Stack Data Structure?

Because insertion and deletion are performed from the top of the stack, the last piece added to the stack will be eliminated. Because of this, it is known as the last-in-first-out (LIFO) form of list. The stack is implemented in a variety of ways, including word processor undo, java virtual machine, compiler parsing, printer PostScript language, web browser back button, and compiler function calls, among others. The stack may be implemented in two ways: static implementation and dynamic implementation.

Arrays are used to create a static implementation of the stack. Though the static implementation is known to be simple, it only allows the stack size to be declared when developing the program, after which the size cannot be verified. Static implementation is not seen to be very efficient when it comes to memory use. Dynamic implementation, on the other hand, is also known as linked list representation. Pointers are used to construct stack-type data structures. For example, if a biscuit wrapper is ripped on one end, the biscuits may be removed from that end (popping), and biscuits can be replaced from the other end (pushing).

What does Queue Data Structure?

This is referred to as a FIFO (first in, first out) list. The queue implementation may be split into two types: static and dynamic. When arrays are utilized to build queues in a static implementation, the exact number of items to be put in the queue should be known ahead of time. This is done because the size of the array must be guaranteed before processing or during design. The beginning of the array is at the front of the queue, while the array's ultimate position is at the back.

The data field is present in the dynamic implementation's linked representation. When one element must be introduced or removed in the midst of a collection of other items, the value of linked representation becomes clear. The queue may be used for a variety of purposes, including traffic analysis, data buffering, determining the number of cashiers needed in a supermarket, allocating requests on shared resources such as a processor or printer, and asynchronous data transmission, among others. As an example, we may say that when we wait for getting serviced then we form a queue for getting services that can be considered as a queue.

Difference Between Stack and Queue Data Structure

Stack Queue
  • The Last In First Out (LIFO) concept governs Stack Data Structures.
  • The First In First Out (FIFO) principle governs Queue Data Structures.
  • Only one reference pointer is required for a Stack
  • Two reference pointers are required for a Queue.
  • A stack is essentially a vertical representation of data.
  • A Queue is a horizontal display of data elements.
  • A Stack uses TOP as its data processing reference.
  • REAR and FRONT are the data processing references in a Queue.
  • From the same end, data objects are added and removed.
  • A queue's data items are added and discarded from several angles.
  • The first piece to be entered is the last to be withdrawn.
  • The first piece to be introduced is deleted.
  • At the top of a Stack, insertion and deletion operations take place.
  • The insertion procedure takes place at the REAR end, whereas the deletion operation takes place at the FRONT end.

Use of the Stack Data Structure

  • For evaluating expressions, stack is utilised.
  • When dealing with expressions, parenthesis matching is done via stack.
  • In the conversion of expressions, stack is used. Infix to postfix or prefix to postfix, for instance
  • Stack is a memory management tool.
  • The Java virtual machine makes advantage of it.
  • It is employed in the Backtracking approach of issue resolution.
  • It is applied to string reversal or string parsing.
  • In web development, stack is used to match the HTML tags.
  • For recursive functions, the stack is also used in the function call.


Use of the Queue Data Structure

  • When a resource needs to be shared across several systems, the queue is utilised as a waiting list. Taking CPU scheduling or disc scheduling as examples
  • It is utilised by the operating system for the scheduling of FCFS, semaphores, device buffers, and printer spooling.
  • Switches and routers both employ queues.
  • In networking, the queue is utilised when asynchronous data transfer occurs.
  • used to keep the playlist updated on media players
  • used by the operating system to handle interrupts
  • The round-robin scheduling algorithm utilises a queue.



About the author:
Adarsh Kumar Singh is a technology writer with a passion for coding and programming. With years of experience in the technical field, he has established a reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful writer on a range of technical topics.