Arrays and linked lists are both linear data structures, but they have key differences: **Arrays**: - Elements stored in contiguous memory locations - Fixed size (in most languages) - O(1) random access by index - Better cache performance - Less memory overhead **Linked Lists**: - Elements stored anywhere in memory, connected by pointers - Dynamic size - O(n) access time (must traverse from head) - Poor cache performance - Extra memory for storing pointers Use arrays when you need fast random access and know the approximate size. Use linked lists when you frequently insert/delete elements and size varies significantly.

Arrays and linked lists are both linear data structures, but they have key differences: **Arrays**: - Elements stored in contiguous memory locations - Fixed size (in most languages) - O(1) random access by index - Better cache performance - Less memory overhead **Linked Lists**: - Elements stored anywhere in memory, connected by pointers - Dynamic size - O(n) access time (must traverse from head) - Poor cache performance - Extra memory for storing pointers Use arrays when you need fast random access and know the approximate size. Use linked lists when you frequently insert/delete elements and size varies significantly.