Choosing the Right Data Structure

This lesson synthesises everything you have learned about data structures and provides a framework for choosing the most appropriate data structure for a given problem. This is a critical skill for A-Level Computer Science exams, where you will be expected to justify your choices.

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Why the Choice Matters

The choice of data structure affects:

• Time complexity — how fast operations are.
• Space complexity — how much memory is used.
• Code complexity — how easy the code is to write and maintain.
• Scalability — how well the solution handles growing data.

Choosing the wrong data structure can lead to slow, memory-hungry, or overly complex programs. Choosing the right one can make the solution elegant and efficient.

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Decision Framework

When choosing a data structure, ask these questions: