Stacks: meaning, definitions and examples
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stacks
[ stæks ]
computer science
In computer science, 'stacks' refer to a collection of elements that are organized in a particular order, usually following the Last In, First Out (LIFO) principle. This means that the most recently added element is the first one to be removed. Stacks are used in various applications, including function calling, memory management, and algorithm implementation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The function calls are managed using stacks.
- Stack overflow errors occur when there are too many function calls.
- You can use stacks to reverse a sequence of elements.
placing items
To 'stack' means to arrange a number of things in a pile or in a specified order. This can refer to physical objects like boxes or plates, as well as metaphorical concepts, such as stacking data or information in a certain sequence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Please stack the books neatly on the shelf.
- He stacked the chairs after the event.
- They decided to stack the files to save space.
Etymology
The word 'stack' originates from the Old English term 'stac', meaning 'a pillar or post'. The evolution of the term has seen it used in various contexts over the centuries, from referring to a pile of items to its technical usage in computer science. The word maintained its core meaning of something being piled or arranged one on top of another. As technology introduced new concepts, the term 'stack' was adapted to describe data structures and specific methods of organizing information. Its usage in computing gained popularity during the rise of programming languages and software development, marking a significant shift from its more traditional meanings.