What are three common data structures?

The choice of arrays, linked lists, and trees as common data structures is well-founded as each of these structures serves fundamental roles in programming and algorithm design.

Arrays are one of the simplest and most widely used data structures. They provide a means to store multiple elements of the same type in a contiguous block of memory, allowing for efficient access to elements via indices.

Linked lists offer a flexible alternative to arrays by allowing for dynamic memory allocation. They are constituted of elements called nodes, where each node contains data and a reference (or link) to the next node in the sequence. This makes them well-suited for scenarios where the number of elements is not known in advance or where insertion and deletion of elements are frequent operations.

Trees are hierarchical structures that consist of nodes connected by edges. They are particularly useful for representing data with inherent hierarchical relationships, such as file systems or organizational structures. A specific type of tree, the binary tree, is frequently used in many algorithms, including those for searching and sorting.

While other options certainly include valid data structures, the combination of arrays, linked lists, and trees provides a solid foundation relevant to various programming paradigms, making them essential for understanding more complex data structures and algorithms.