There are two basic types of data structures:

• linear.
• nonlinear. 

Linear data structures : Linear data structures are organized in a way similar to the way computer memory is organized. Linear data structures STORE elements one after the other, in a linear fashion. Only one element of the data can be traversed at a time. IMAGINE a stack of books placed on a shelf. A book will be placed between two other books, but not three books- a book will only have a RELATIONSHIP to two other books at the most at one time. Linear data elements are stored in a similar way.
Non linear data structures : Non linear data structures are stored in a SEQUENTIAL way. The data elements in the non linear data structures may have RELATIONSHIPS with one or more elements at the same time. Manipulating non linear data structures is more difficult than manipulating linear data structures.

There are two basic types of data structures:

Linear data structures : Linear data structures are organized in a way similar to the way computer memory is organized. Linear data structures store elements one after the other, in a linear fashion. Only one element of the data can be traversed at a time. Imagine a stack of books placed on a shelf. A book will be placed between two other books, but not three books- a book will only have a relationship to two other books at the most at one time. Linear data elements are stored in a similar way.
Non linear data structures : Non linear data structures are stored in a sequential way. The data elements in the non linear data structures may have relationships with one or more elements at the same time. Manipulating non linear data structures is more difficult than manipulating linear data structures.