Now, imagine if data structures were not just a concept in computers, but part of nature itself. In fact, they are — DNA is nature’s most powerful and compact data structure. Understanding DNA as a data structure shows how fundamental and universal the idea of structured data is:
  • DNA isn’t just random molecules; it’s structured, ordered, and interpretable — just like a well-designed tree or graph in software.
  • Biology uses compression, redundancy, and error correction — concepts mirrored in computer science.
So, just like a tree can represent a file system, or a hash map can represent a lookup table, DNA represents a living blueprint, encoded with information and optimized through evolution. Data structures are not just tools of code — they are patterns of order. Whether in computers or in the cells of your body, they shape how information is stored, understood, and passed on.

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What they define

Data structures define and designed for a specific use case:
  • How data is arranged (e.g., in a line, a tree, a grid, etc.)
  • How data is accessed (e.g., directly, sequentially, by key, etc.)
  • How efficiently data can be searched, inserted, deleted, or updated
Common data structures include: Each data structure is designed for a specific problem.