Data structures and algorithms are fundamental concepts in computer science and software engineering. A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently. An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, often involving the use of data structures.
Data structures are designed to efficiently organize and store data for various computational tasks. Some commonly used data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Each data structure has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the use case.
Algorithms are used to process and manipulate data stored in data structures to solve various computational problems. Algorithms can range from simple sorting algorithms like bubble sort to more complex algorithms like machine learning algorithms or graph traversal algorithms.