Queue in Data Structure - Summary
Queue is an essential abstract data structure, closely related to Stacks, but with a key difference. A queue is open at both ends; one end is used for inserting data (enqueue) while the other is used for removing data (dequeue). This structure follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, meaning the data item that is stored first will be accessed first.
Think of a queue like a line of people waiting to buy tickets, where the first person in line is the first one to be served—this is often referred to as “First come, first served.” A real-world analogy is a one-lane road where the first vehicle to enter is the first to exit. You can also observe queues at ticket counters and bus stops.
Understanding Queue in Data Structure
Queue operations are fundamental, and they typically involve initializing or defining the queue, utilizing it, and eventually clearing it from memory. Here, we will explore the basic operations linked to queues:
- enqueue() – This operation adds (stores) an item to the queue.
- dequeue() – This operation removes (accesses) an item from the queue.
To enhance the efficiency of queue operations, a few additional functions are helpful:
- peek() – This function retrieves the element at the front of the queue without removing it.
- isfull() – This function checks if the queue is full.
- isempty() – This function checks if the queue is empty.
In a queue, we always access data via a pointer known as front when we dequeue, while the rear pointer assists us when enqueuing data into the queue.
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