Stacks in Data Structures:Implementation

Stacks are a form of linear data structure that allows insertion and deletion operations from the top end and uses the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) concept. Contiguous memory, an array, and non-contiguous memory, a linked list, can be used to implement the stack. Many apps rely heavily on the stack.

This illustration enables you to carry out activities solely from one end, similar to adding and removing books from the top of a stack. This indicates that insertion and deletion are only possible in the stack data structure from the top of the stack. You can only reach the top of the stack at any given time.

Push operations refer to the act of adding a new element to the stack.
The word "pop operation" refers to removing or deleting elements from the stack.

The representation of stacks in data structures in real-time will then be demonstrated.

Representation of Stacks in Data Structures


Stack operation in data structures

Let's say you have a stack of books now.

Only the top book, number 40, which is kept at the top of the stack, is visible.
You must update the top before inserting a new text if you wish to insert a new book first, say 50.

Additionally, you must first remove the top book from the stack to reach any other book besides the 40th-highest book in the stack. After that, the top will then point to the subsequent top book.


After working on the representation of stacks in data structures, you will see some fundamental operations being performed on data structure stacks. For detailed knowledge, head over to data structure training led by MAANG experts.

Simple Stack Operations in Data Structures

The operations that are used with the stack are as follows.
Operation by Push

In a push operation, additional components are added to the stack. It adds the new element to the top of the stack because you can only add a unique element from one end.


Operation Pop
Since there is only one end of the stack to complete, the term "pop operation" refers to taking the element out of the stack once again. Pop operation refers to removing an element from the top of the stack.


Operation Peek
When performing a peek action, the highest member in the stack is retrieved without being taken out of the collections of data elements.

Stack application in data structures

The top 7 uses of the stack in data structures are as follows:

Evaluation and Conversion of Expression
Calling the backtracking function in parentheses examining the syntax of string reversal Memory Management Parsing

You can now understand each programme individually.

Evaluation and Conversion of Expression
In programming, there are three different expression types that you can employ:

Infix Expression: An infix expression consists of a single letter or operator followed by two consecutive single infix strings.

A prefix expression consists of one letter or one operator followed by two prefix strings.

Postfix Expression: A postfix expression is a single letter or operator preceded by two postfix strings (also known as reverse polish notation).
The stack similarly evaluates and converts certain expressions, such as infix to prefix or infix to postfix.

Going backwards
The recursive algorithm mechanism of backtracking is employed to address optimization issues.

There are several ways to solve the optimization problem with backtracking; it is irrelevant which one is right. You keep the previously calculated issues in the stack and use that solution to address the following problems as you search through all potential solutions while backtracking.

Backtracking is a recursive algorithm that is used to solve problems, and the N-queen problem is an example.

Call a Function
In programming, the reference of the caller function is stored in the stack whenever a function is called from another function. With the aid of references saved in the stack, the programme control returns to the function call after the function call has ended.
Therefore, the stack is crucial when you call a function from another function.



Parentheses Checking
When using matching opening and closing brackets in programming, stack in data structures is used to determine whether parentheses like () are legitimate or not.
It manages the program's flow by storing all of these parentheses in the stack.
For instance, ((a + b) * (c + d)) is correct, but a+b))*(b+d)] is incorrect.

Reversing a String
String reversal is a fascinating use of the stack. A string's individual characters are saved in the stack.
After performing the pop operation, the string is inverted because the initial character of the string is kept at the bottom of the stack, and the last character of the string is kept at the top.

Parsing of syntax
Since many computer languages lack context, many compilers use the stack to parse the syntax.

Memory Control
The stack is frequently used to manage memory because it is a crucial operating system component.
This brings us to the conclusion of our discussion of stacks in data structures. If you’re looking for resources to master these data structure stack, Sign up for Learnbay’s data structure course right away and get IBM certificates for your next career!