Question

A data structure that points to an object of the same type as itself is known as a(n) __________ data structure.

Short answer

Explain the concept and provide examples. Answer: The data structure that points to an object of the same type as itself is called a recursive data structure. This allows the structure to be self-referential and support a nested hierarchy. Examples include linked lists, trees, and graphs where each node contains a reference to another node of the same type.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the data structure

The data structure being described is called a "recursive" data structure.

Explain the concept of recursive data structures

Recursive data structures have an element that points to another object of the same type. This allows the structure to be self-referential and supports a nested hierarchy. Examples of recursive data structures include linked lists, trees, and graphs, where each node contains a reference to another node of the same type.