Deletion
Deletion is the process of removing an element or node from a data structure. In the context of arrays, deletion involves removing an element from the array and shifting subsequent elements to fill the gap, potentially resizing the array if it is dynamic. In linked lists, deletion is more straightforward and involves changing the pointers of the adjacent nodes to bypass the node to be removed. The complexity of deletion varies with the data structure. For example, in tree structures like binary search trees, deletion may require rearranging parts of the tree to maintain its properties, which can involve finding a successor or predecessor node to replace the deleted node. In hash tables, deletion must handle potential collisions, often through a process called rehashing. Properly managing deletion is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of a data structure, ensuring that it accurately reflects the current set of elements.