Table of Contents
Top 30+ DSA Interview Questions and Answers asked in TCS NQT 2023 and 2024 Interviews.
1) What is data structure?
Data structure refers to the way data is organized and manipulated. It seeks to find ways to make data access more efficient. When dealing with the data structure, we not only focus on one piece of data but the different set of data and how they can relate to one another in an organized manner.
2) Differentiate between file and structure storage structure.
The key difference between both the data structure is the memory area that is being accessed. When dealing with the structure that resides the main memory of the computer system, this is referred to as storage structure.
When dealing with an auxiliary structure, we refer to it as file structures.
3) What is a linked list?
A linked list is a sequence of nodes in which each node is connected to the node following it. This forms a chain-like link for data.
4) When is a binary search best applied?
A binary search is an algorithm that is best applied to search a list when the elements are already in order or sorted. The list is searched starting in the middle, such that if that middle value is not the target search key, it will check to see if it will continue the search on the lower half of the list or the higher half. The split and search will then continue in the same manner.
5) How do you reference all the elements in a one-dimension array?
To reference all the elements in a one -dimension array, you need to use an indexed loop, So that, the counter runs from 0 to the array size minus one. In this manner, You can reference all the elements in sequence by using the loop counter as the array subscript.
6) What is a queue?
A queue is a data structure that can simulate a list or stream of data. In this structure, new elements are inserted at one end, and existing elements are removed from the other end.
7) In what areas do data structures are applied?
Data structures are essential in almost every aspect where data is involved. In general, algorithms that involve efficient data structure is applied in the following areas: numerical analysis, operating system, A.., compiler design, database management, graphics, and statistical analysis, to name a few.
8) What is LIFO?
LIFO is a short form of Last In First Out. It refers how data is accessed, stored and retrieved. Using this scheme, data that was stored last should be the one to be extracted first.
This also means that in order to gain access to the first data, all the other data that was stored before this first data must first be retrieved and extracted.
9) Which data structures are applied when dealing with a recursive function?
Recursion, is a function that calls itself based on a terminating condition, makes use of the stack. Using LIFO, a call to a recursive function saves the return address so that it knows how to return to the calling function after the call terminates.
13) What are multidimensional arrays?
Multidimensional arrays make use of multiple indexes to store data. It is useful when storing data that cannot be represented using single dimensional indexing, such as data representation in a board game, tables with data stored in more than one column.
14) Are linked lists considered linear or non-linear data structures?
It depends on where you intend to apply linked lists. If you based it on storage, a linked list is considered non-linear.
On the other hand, if you based it on access strategies, then a linked list is considered linear.
15) How does dynamic memory allocation help in managing data?
Apart from being able to store simple structured data types, dynamic memory allocation can combine separately allocated structured blocks to form composite structures that expand and contract as needed.
16) What is FIFO?
FIFO stands for First-in, First-out, and is used to represent how data is accessed in a queue. Data has been inserted into the queue list the longest is the one that is removed first.
17) What is an ordered list?
An ordered list is a list in which each node’s position in the list is determined by the value of its key component, so that the key values form an increasing sequence, as the list is traversed.
18) What is merge sort?
Merge sort, is a divide-and-conquer approach for sorting the data. In a sequence of data, adjacent ones are merged and sorted to create bigger sorted lists. These sorted lists are then merged again to form an even bigger sorted list, which continues until you have one single sorted list.
19) Differentiate NULL and VOID
Null is a value, whereas Void is a data type identifier. A variable that is given a Null value indicates an empty value. The void is used to identify pointers as having no initial size.
20) What is the primary advantage of a linked list?
A linked list is an ideal data structure because it can be modified easily. This means that editing a linked list works regardless of how many elements are in the list.
21) What is the difference between a PUSH and a POP?
Pushing and popping applies to the way data is stored and retrieved in a stack. A push denotes data being added to it, meaning data is being “pushed” into the stack. On the other hand, a pop denotes data retrieval, and in particular, refers to the topmost data being accessed.
22) What is a linear search?
A linear search refers to the way a target key is being searched in a sequential data structure. In this method, each element in the list is checked and compared against the target key. The process is repeated until found or if the end of the file has been reached.
23) How does variable declaration affect memory allocation?
The amount of memory to be allocated or reserved would depend on the data type of the variable being declared.
For example, if a variable is declared to be of integer type, then 32 bits of memory storage will be reserved for that variable.
24) What is the advantage of the heap over a stack?
The heap is more flexible than the stack. That’s because memory space for the heap can be dynamically allocated and de-allocated as needed. However, the memory of the heap can at times be slower when compared to that stack.
25) What is a postfix expression?
A postfix expression is an expression in which each operator follows its operands. The advantage of this form is that there is no need to group sub-expressions in parentheses or to consider operator.
