Page 49 - Data Structures Interactive Book

avoid this issue but require extra memory for pointers, increasing overhead. Another

limitation is restricted access: only the top element can be accessed directly, which makes

stacks unsuitable for problems requiring random access. These constraints mean that stacks
are best applied in specific contexts rather than as general-purpose storage.

5.6 Summary

In this chapter, we studied stacks as a linear data structure governed by the LIFO

principle. We explored their fundamental operations—push, pop, peek, and condition
checks—and saw how they are implemented using arrays and linked lists. We highlighted their

applications in expression evaluation, balanced parentheses checking, and recursion, showing

how stacks support both algorithmic and system-level tasks. Finally, we discussed their
limitations, noting that while stacks are efficient for certain problems, they are not universally

applicable. Understanding stacks equips students with a powerful tool for solving structured

problems and prepares them for more advanced data structures.

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