Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2100 C949 Data Structures and Algorithms I Practice Exam

A queue is a linear data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, meaning that elements are processed in the order they were added. Among the options provided, a linked list is particularly well-suited for implementing a queue due to several key reasons.

Using a linked list allows for dynamic memory allocation, which means that the size of the queue can grow or shrink as needed without the constraints of a fixed array size. This is especially important for a queue where the number of elements can vary widely during its usage. With a linked list, you can easily add new elements to the end of the queue and remove elements from the front without needing to resize an array or shift elements, which can be inefficient and cumbersome.

Additionally, linked lists provide O(1) time complexity for both enqueue (insertion at the end) and dequeue (removal from the front) operations, making them highly efficient. This performance advantage is particularly valuable for applications where the queue may need to handle a large number of elements or requires frequent additions and removals.

In summary, a linked list provides the necessary flexibility in size and efficient operational performance, making it the best choice for implementing a queue.