Chapter 18: Problem 16

What problem is overcome by using a circular array for a static queue?

Short Answer

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Answer: Using a circular array for implementing a static queue overcomes the problem of false overflow. In a static linear queue, false overflow is a memory wastage issue that occurs when there are empty spaces at the front of the queue, but the rear pointer has reached the end of the array, making it unable to add any more elements. A circular array wraps around when the rear pointer reaches the end of the array, allowing it to utilize available space at the front if present. This enables full use of memory in the array and efficient queue management.

Step by step solution

Understanding a Queue

A queue is a data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, where the elements are added at the end (rear) of the queue and are removed from the front (head) of the queue. This makes the queue a suitable choice for tasks that require maintaining a sequence or order of elements.

The Problem with a Static Linear Queue

In a static linear queue, the array has a fixed size, which leads to an issue called "Queue Overflow." Queue overflow occurs when the queue becomes full, and there is no more space for inserting new elements. This can cause a memory wastage problem called "False Overflow" when there are empty spaces at the front of the queue, but the rear pointer has reached the end of the array, thus unable to add any more elements.

Introduction to Circular Array

A circular array is an array in which the next element after the last element is considered to be the first element. Conceptually, you can visualize the array wrapping around to create a circle. This allows us to better utilize available space in the static array and avoid false overflow problems.

Explaining How Circular Arrays Resolve the Problem

By using a circular array for a static queue, we overcome the problem of false overflow mentioned earlier. When the rear pointer reaches the end of the array, and there is free space at the front, the rear pointer wraps around to the beginning of the array (assuming that space is available). This enables us to make full use of the available memory in the array and efficiently manage the static queue.

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What problem is overcome by using a circular array for a static queue?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding a Queue

The Problem with a Static Linear Queue

Introduction to Circular Array

Explaining How Circular Arrays Resolve the Problem

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