Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is a Stack Data Structure?
3.
What is a Queue Data Structure?
4.
Difference between Stack and Queue Data structure
5.
Frequently Asked Questions
5.1.
What are stacks and queues called?
5.2.
Why is queue called FIFO?
5.3.
What kind of data can we store in the stack?
5.4.
What are the types of queues?
5.5.
What is the advantage of queue over stack?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Easy

Difference Between Stack And Queue Data Structures

Author Ayush Tiwari
0 upvote
Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction

Both stack and queue are linear data structures used for storing and managing collections of elements. They allow access and removal of elements based on specific rules.

Difference: A stack follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle, whereas a queue follows the First In, First Out (FIFO) principle.

This blog will discuss the various differences between the stacks and the queue data structures by understanding both stack and queue and then comparing both Data Structures. At last, we will understand the practical application of stack and queue individually. So, let's get started!

stack and queue differences

What is a Stack Data Structure?

Stack is a special type of ADT also known as Abstract data type, which is known to store and remove elements from one side of the list only, that side is known as ‘TOP’. ‘Last in first out’, commonly known as ‘LIFO’ is the order which is followed by the stack. In the stack, we can’t access any element as we can access the array, We can only access that element that is on the top of the stack. A pointer is used to keep the track of the ‘top’ element of the stack.

 

stack

Condition to Check if Stack is Empty

int Empty() 
{ 
  if(top==-1) 
    return 1; 
  else return 0; 
}
You can also try this code with Online C++ Compiler
Run Code

 

Condition to Check if Stack is Full

int Full()
{
    if(top==MAX-1)
        return 1;
    else
        return 0;
}
You can also try this code with Online C++ Compiler
Run Code

What is a Queue Data Structure?

A queue is a special type of ADT also known as Abstract data type, which is known to store elements from one side knowns as ‘rear’ and remove elements from the other side known as ‘front’. ‘First in First Out’, commonly known as ‘FIFO’ is the order which is followed by the queue. In the queue, we can’t access any element as we can access in the array, we can only access the front element of the stack and push the element in the ‘rear’. A pointer is used to keep the track of the ‘front’ element of the stack and the ‘rear’ of the stack.

 

queue

Let us understand the condition to check if the queue is empty or full

Condition to Check if Queue is Empty

int Empty()
{
    if(front==-1 || front==rear+1)
        return 1;
    else
        return 0;
}
You can also try this code with Online C++ Compiler
Run Code

Condition to Check if Queue is Full

int Full()
{
    if(rear==MAX-1)
        return 1;
    else
        return 0;
}The pointers
You can also try this code with Online C++ Compiler
Run Code

Read about Application of Queue in Data Structure here.

Must Read Stack Operations

Difference between Stack and Queue Data structure

Parameters

STACK

QUEUE

Order Follow LIFO order Follow FIFO order
Insertion Operation Inserting an element is known as a Push operation. Inserting an element is known as Enqueue operation
Deletion Operation Deleting an element is known as Pop operation Deleting an element is known as Dequeue operation
Pointer Usage Pointer used for performing the operation is only one. Pointers used for performing the operations are two
Type No type of stack is available Three types of queues are available
Visualization Vertical collection visualization Horizontal collection visualization
Accessibility Only the ‘Top’ element is accessible Element is pushed in front of the queue, and element is popped from the rear part of the queue.

Must Readhash function in data structure

Frequently Asked Questions

What are stacks and queues called?

Stacks and queues are called linear data structures. A stack follows Last In, First Out (LIFO) order, where the last element added is the first to be removed. A queue follows First In, First Out (FIFO) order.

Why is queue called FIFO?

A queue is called FIFO (First In, First Out) because the first element added to the queue is the first one to be removed. This ensures that elements are processed in the order they arrive.

What kind of data can we store in the stack?

We can store homogeneous data of any data type.

What are the types of queues?

There are three types of queues which are as follows:- 

  • Simple Queue
  • Double Ended Queue
  • Circular Queue

What is the advantage of queue over stack?

The primary advantage of a queue over a stack is that it enforces FIFO (First In, First Out) order, ensuring elements are processed in the exact order they were added.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the differences between the stack and queue data structures. 

Refer to our guided paths on Code360 to learn more about DSA, Competitive Programming, System Design, JavaScript, etc. Enroll in our courses, refer to the mock test and problems available, interview puzzles, and look at the interview undle and interview experiences for placement preparations.

We hope that this blog has helped you increase your knowledge regarding Stack and Queues, and if you liked this blog, check other links. Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow. 

Happy Coding!"

Live masterclass