1. CE 221 Data Structures and Algorithms
Chapter 3: Lists, Stacks, and Queues - III
Text: Read Weiss, §3.7
Izmir University of Economics

2. Izmir University of Economics
The Queue ADT
Like stacks, queues are lists. With a queue, however, insertion is done at one end, whereas deletion is performed at the other end.
The basic operations on a queue (FIFO list) are enqueue, which inserts an element at the end of the list (called the rear), and dequeue, which deletes (and returns) the element at the start of the list (known as the front).
Izmir University of Economics

3. Array Implementation of Queues - I
As with stacks, both array and linked list (trivial) implementations give O(1) running times. Let’s discuss circular array implementation.
An array to store elements, Array, and the positions Front and Rear to represent the ends of the queue are kept.
We also keep track of the number of elements: Size.
Izmir University of Economics

4. Array Implementation of Queues – Problem5 2 7 1
Front
Rear
To enqueue an element X, increment Size and Rear and set Array[Rear]=X
To dequeue an element, set the return value to Array[Front], decrement Size and then increment Front.
Assume after several enqueue operations, the Rear is at the last index position. Assume also that some elements, in the meantime, have been dequeued to make up room. The next enqueue would fail, although there would be free slots.
Izmir University of Economics

5. Array Implementation of Queues – Problem Solved
The simple solution is whenever Front or Rear gets to the end of the Array, it is wrapped around to the beginning (hence the name circular array).
initially 2 4
Front
Rear
After enqueue(1) 1 2 4
Front
Rear
After enqueue(3) 1 3 2 4
Front
Rear
Izmir University of Economics

6. Array Implementation of Queues – Example
After dequeue  2 1 3 2 4
Front
Rear
After dequeue  4 1 3 2 4
Front
Rear
After dequeue  1 1 3 2 4
Front
Rear
After dequeue  3
and queue is empty 1 3 2 4
Front
Rear
If Size is not kept, queue is empty when Rear=Front-1. In that case, queue is full when there are Capacity-1 items. Why? Only Capacity different sizes can be differentiated and one of these is 0.
Izmir University of Economics

7. Circular Array Implementation of Queues – Sample Code I
public class SingleQueueArray<AnyType> {
private int front; // points at the frontmost element
private int rear; // points at the next vacant! position
private int maxSize; // capacity of the underlying ArrayList
private ArrayList<AnyType> elements;
SingleQueueArray() {
this(101); // actually holds one less than given size }
SingleQueueArray(int s) {
maxSize = s;
front = 0;
rear = 0;
elements = new ArrayList<AnyType>(maxSize);
boolean empty() {
return front == rear;
boolean full() {
return (rear + 1) % maxSize == front;
Izmir University of Economics

8. Circular Array Implementation of Queues – Sample Code II
void enqueue(AnyType x) {
if ( !full() ) {
if (elements.size()<maxSize) //add until cells filled
elements.add(x);
else
elements.set(rear, x); // set afterwards
rear = (rear + 1) % maxSize; }
AnyType dequeue() {
AnyType temp=null;
if ( !empty() ) {
temp = elements.get(front);
front = (front+1) % maxSize;
return temp;
Izmir University of Economics

9. Applications of Queues - I
When jobs are submitted to a printer, they are arranged in order of arrival.
Virtually every real-life line is (supposed to be) a queue.
Users on other machines are given access to a file server on a first-come first-served basis.
Calls to large companies are generally placed on a queue when all operators are busy.
Izmir University of Economics

10. Applications of Queues - II
A whole branch of mathematics, known as queueing theory, deals with computing, probabilistically, how long users expect to wait on a line, how long the line gets, and other such questions. The answer depends on how frequently users arrive to the line and how long it takes to process a user once the user is served. Both of these parameters are given as probability distribution functions.
Izmir University of Economics

11. Izmir University of Economics
Homework Assignments
3.35
You are requested to study and solve the exercises. Note that these are for you to practice only. You are not to deliver the results to me.
Izmir University of Economics