Data structure

In computer science, a data structure is a particular way of storing and organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently.

Data structures are used in almost every program and software system. Specific data structures are essential ingredients of many efficient algorithms, and make possible the management of huge amounts of data, such as large databases and internet indexing services. Some formal design methods and programming languages emphasize data structures, rather than algorithms, as the key organizing factor in software design.