Difference Between Linear Queue and Circular Queue

In this post, we will understand the difference between linear queue and circular queue −

Linear Queue

• It is a linear data structure, which data is arranged in a linear pattern.

• Operations such as insertion and deletion are done from rear and front respectively.

• It requires more memory, since data is stored in a linear fashion.

• The element that is added to a linear queue at first, is the element that gets deleted first.

• It follows FIFO, i.e first in first out.

• The element that is inserted first is the element that is deleted first as well.

• It is not as efficient as a circular queue structure.

Circular Queue

• The data is arranged in a circular fashion.

• This means that the front and the read are connected to each other.

• Insertion and deletion can be done from any position.

• It requires less memory since data is stored in circular form.

• It is more efficient in comparison to a linear queue structure.

• It doesn’t follow FIFO, hence the order of operations vary.