Manipulating Data Structures

Computer Science An Overview _J. Glenn Brookshear _11th Edition

We have seen that the way data structures are actually stored in a computer’s

memory is not the same as the conceptual structure envisioned by the user.

A two-dimensional homogeneous array is not actually stored as a two-dimensional

rectangular block, and a list or a tree might actually consist of small pieces scat-

tered over a large area of memory.

Hence, to allow the user to access the structure as an abstract tool, we must

shield the user from the complexities of the actual storage system. This means

that instructions given by the user (and stated in terms of the abstract tool) must

be converted into steps that are appropriate for the actual storage system. In the

case of homogeneous arrays, we have seen how this can be done by using an

address polynomial to convert row and column indices into memory cell

addresses.