What is a real-world application of a static data structure?

A real-world application of a static data structure is in the implementation of a computer's file system.

A computer's file system is a classic example of a static data structure. It is designed to organise and manage files in a storage device, such as a hard disk or SSD. The file system is static because it is created when the storage device is formatted and does not change in size or structure during the operation of the computer.

The file system uses a tree-like structure, with directories (or folders) acting as nodes and files as leaves. This structure allows for efficient searching, insertion, and deletion of files. Each file or directory has a unique path from the root of the tree, which is used to access it.

The file system also includes a table of contents, or directory table, which is a static array that stores information about each file and directory. This includes the name, size, creation date, and location on the disk. The directory table is fixed in size and does not change as files are added or removed.

Another example of a static data structure in a file system is the bitmap, which is used to track free and used space on the disk. The bitmap is a static array of bits, with each bit representing a block of disk space. A bit is set to 1 if the block is in use, and 0 if it is free. The bitmap is created when the disk is formatted and does not change in size, even as files are added or removed.

In summary, a computer's file system is a complex application of static data structures, including trees, arrays, and bitmaps. These structures are essential for organising and managing files efficiently, and for tracking the use of disk space.