Best 7 Application of Stack in Data Structure with Operation

You will get many applications in Stack but in this article we will discuss only seven top applications of stack in data structure. 

What is Stack in Data Structure?

Stack is the type of data structure and it is used in modern computers, you can insert and delete the element only at one end in stack. The stack follows Last in First Out (LIFO) strategy, which means the data added on the last corner and removed will be the first coroner.

Stack can be used two operations first are Push and second Pop. The Push operation is used to add the element on the top and Pop is used to remove the element from top.  

Top 7 Application of Stack in Data Structure

Following the seven important applications of stack in data structure.

  • Stack can be used for Evaluation of Arithmetic Expression.
  • Stack linear data structures are used in Backtracking Procedure.
  • Stack can be used for Delimiter checking or Parenthesis checking. 
  • Stack can be used for reversing data.
  • This is used in Memory management.
  • Stacks are used in Processing Function Call.
  • Stack is also used for Syntax Parsing.

push and pop operations

Application of Stack Expression Conservation.

The stack can be used for the conservation of Arithmetic Expression we use in programming like Infix expression, Prefix expression and Postfix expression. 

What is Infix Notation?

In Infix notation each operator is placed between operands, such as A+b, b-c and 1+2. The Operator is +, -, etc. and the operands are A, B, C, 1, 2.

What is Prefix Notation?

In Prefix notation the Operator is placed before the Operands and this was introduced by the Police Mathematician. For example: -AB, +AB the minus and Plus is the operator and AB is operands.

What is Postfix Notation?

In Postfix notation the Operator is placed after the Operands, and this notation is just the reverse of Prefix notation such as AB+, AB- etc. (AB) is the Operands and (+,-) is the Operator. 

Backtracking Procedure

This is used for solving the optimization problem that is also called a recursive algorithm. For example: If you find the path for solving a complicated problem. Suppose you choose a path but realize that it is the wrong path. Now you go back to the beginning of the path then you start a new path. You can also complete this work with the help of stack.

application of stack

Delimiter Checking and Parenthesis Checking

Stack is also called Parenthesis checking because the stack is used to check the proper opening and closing parenthesis. When the compiler translates the source program to machine language then scans from left to right, but the source program is written in some programming language like C, C++ etc.

 We make use different type of delimiter and parenthesis in program such as curly braces {,}, square brackets [,], parenthesis (,), common delimiter /* and */, that parenthesis is used for opening and closing a block of code.  

Reversing Data

Stack is used to reverse the data in string because the stack uses Last In First Out (LIFO) strategy. When you apply the pop operation in the stack then the stack comes back and string in reverse order. So, the first character of the stack is on the bottom of the stack and the last character of the string is on the top of the stack, it is also called reversing data.

Application of Stack in Memory

When you call a function then its variable gets memory allocated on the stack. This work is done with the help of a predefined routine in the compiler. The assignment of memory takes place in an adjacent memory block then its called stack memory allocation.

Function call

When you call from one function to another function, then the address of the calling function is stored in the stack. If the calling function gets terminated then the function is moved back with the help of the address which was stored in the stack.

The stack plays an important role when it comes to calling one function to another function. Let us have one program containing three functions D, E and F. Function D invited function E, which invited the function F. So, the function D first to start and last to be completed, this strategy is called Last In First Out (LIFO).

Syntax Parsing 

Many compilers used Stack for syntax parsing because the large number of programming languages are language context free languages.

Frequently Asked Question

What is PUSH Operation?

PUSH operation is used to insert the element on the top of the stack. If you want to insert a new element in the stack then you will get only one position that is called top of the stack. 

What is a POP Operation?

POP operation is used to remove the element on the top of the stack.

Final Word

In stack you can insert and delete the element only at one end and the stack follows the Last In First Out process (LIFO). I hope you will understand what stack is and its application, if you have any problem then share in the comment box.