Data structures are ways to organize and store data efficiently. They are crucial for managing and manipulating data in computer science and programming. Common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.

• Arrays: Store elements in a fixed-size sequential order. They allow quick access but have limited flexibility.

• Linked Lists: Consist of nodes where each node contains data and a reference to the next node. They are dynamic and can grow or shrink easily.

• Stacks: Follow the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle. Useful for tasks like undo operations in software.

• Queues: Follow the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle. Ideal for scheduling tasks.

• Trees: Hierarchical structures with nodes connected by edges. Binary trees are common, used in search algorithms.

• Graphs: Consist of vertices and edges, representing relationships between entities. Useful in network analysis.

Choosing the right data structure depends on the specific needs of the application, such as speed, memory usage, and ease of implementation.