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Stack Data Structure

The stack data structure operates on the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle and has various applications including function calls, undo mechanisms, and browser history management. It is also utilized in expression evaluation, backtracking algorithms, and ensuring parentheses matching in expressions. This versatility makes stacks a fundamental concept in computer science and programming.

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2 views

Stack Data Structure

The stack data structure operates on the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle and has various applications including function calls, undo mechanisms, and browser history management. It is also utilized in expression evaluation, backtracking algorithms, and ensuring parentheses matching in expressions. This versatility makes stacks a fundamental concept in computer science and programming.

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demo903149
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The stack data structure follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle, meaning that the

last element
added to the stack is the first one to be removed. This simple yet powerful data structure finds
applications in various real-world scenarios. Here are some examples:

1. Function Calls: The call stack in programming languages is a classic example of a stack data
structure. When a function is called, its parameters, local variables, and return address are
pushed onto the stack. When the function completes execution, its stack frame is popped, and
control returns to the calling function. This mechanism allows for nested function calls and
recursion.

2. Undo Mechanisms: Many applications provide an "undo" feature that allows users to revert
changes made to a document or application state. A stack can be used to store previous states
or actions, enabling users to undo changes in the reverse order they were made.

3. Browser History: Web browsers maintain a history of visited web pages, allowing users to
navigate backward and forward through their browsing session. This navigation history can be
implemented using a stack, with each visited URL pushed onto the stack when accessed and
popped when the user navigates backward.

4. Expression Evaluation: In computer science, stacks are commonly used to evaluate arithmetic
expressions, including infix, postfix, and prefix notation. Using a stack, expressions can be
converted to postfix or prefix notation for efficient evaluation, with operators and operands
pushed and popped accordingly.

5. Backtracking Algorithms: Backtracking algorithms, such as depth-first search (DFS), often use
stacks to maintain a list of candidate solutions or states to explore. As the algorithm progresses,
it pushes potential solutions onto the stack and backtracks when a dead-end is reached, popping
elements from the stack to explore alternative paths.

6. Undo/Redo Functionality in Text Editors: Text editors often implement undo and redo
functionality using a stack data structure. Each text modification (e.g., insertion, deletion,
replacement) is recorded as a command object and pushed onto the undo stack. When the user
invokes the undo operation, the most recent command is popped from the undo stack and
executed in reverse to revert the change. Similarly, redo operations can be implemented using a
redo stack to store undone commands.

7. Parentheses Matching: Stacks are used to check the correctness of parentheses, brackets, and
braces in expressions. When scanning through an expression, opening symbols are pushed onto
the stack, and closing symbols are matched against the top of the stack. If the symbols match,
they are popped from the stack; otherwise, an error is detected.

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