Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 16

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
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

01

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.
02

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.
03

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.
04

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.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose the following operations are performed on an empty queue: enqueue (5) enqueue (7) enqueue( 9 ) enqueue (12)

What is the difference between a static stack and a dynamic stack?

A common real-life example used to explain stacks is the stack of plates in a cafeteria. Find at least two other real-life examples in which items are added and removed from a container in last-in-first-out order, and use these examples to explain the concept of a stack.

What does FIFO mean?

When an element is removed from a queue, where is it removed from?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Computer Science Textbooks

Computer Network

Read Explanation

Theory of Computation

Read Explanation

Databases

Read Explanation

Data Structures

Read Explanation

Computer Systems

Read Explanation

Issues in Computer Science

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free