A data structure is a way of organizing data that enables efficient storage, retrieval, and use.

Linear vs Non-Linear

Linear Data Structures
A data structure is said to be linear if its elements are arranged in a linear sequence like in an array or list.

Non-Linear Data Structures
A data structure is said to be non-linear if its elements dare not in sequence (e.g: a tree).

Data structure classifications

We may classify data structures as linear and non-linear data structures but this is not the only way to classify them.

An Array is a homogenous structure in which all elements are of the same type. In non-homogenous structures, the elements may or may not be of the same type. Records are a common example