queue
Definition
In computer science, a queue is a data structure that represents a sequence of elements. Elements are added to the queue at the end and removed from the front. This means that the first element that was added to the queue is also the first element that will be removed.
Queues are often used to implement real-world applications, such as:
- Task scheduling: Queues can be used to schedule tasks to be executed by a computer. Tasks are added to the queue in the order that they are received, and they are executed in the order that they are removed from the queue.
- File processing: Queues can be used to process files in a first-in, first-out order. Files are added to the queue in the order that they are received, and they are processed in the order that they are removed from the queue.
- Communication: Queues can be used to communicate between different processes or computers. Messages are added to the queue, and they are delivered to the destination process or computer in the order that they are removed from the queue.
Queues are a fundamental data structure that is used in many different applications. They are a simple and efficient way to manage a sequence of elements.
How can the word be used?
Queues are often used in places where people need to wait for something, such as at a bank, a post office, or a theme park.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A line of people or things waiting for something.
Verb: To stand in or join a queue.
Etymology
The word "queue" comes from the Old French word "coie", which means "tail". It was first used in English in the 15th century.
The word "queue" originally referred to the tail of an animal, but it later came to be used to refer to a line of people or things waiting for something.
The word "queue" is pronounced as /kjuː/.
Question
What might you The word "queue" comes from the Old French word "cueue," which means "tail." The Old French word "cueue" is derived from the Latin word "cauda," which also means "tail.".
The word "queue" was first used in English in the 14th century. It was used to refer to a line of people or things waiting for something. for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of a queue in the context of computing and its importance in managing processes. Provide an example of a real-world scenario where queues are utilised effectively.
Answer:
In computing, a "queue" refers to a data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, where the first item added to the queue is the first one to be removed. It's akin to a line of people waiting their turn, where the person who arrives first gets served first. Queues are essential for managing processes, tasks, or data in a systematic and orderly manner.
For instance, consider a printer queue in an office. When multiple users send print jobs to the printer, the jobs are placed in a queue. The printer processes the jobs one by one, starting with the job that entered the queue first. This ensures fairness and efficiency in printing, as print jobs are processed in the order they were received.
Queues play a vital role in scenarios where resources are shared among multiple users or when tasks need to be managed in a controlled sequence. In computer systems, queues are used in task scheduling, managing incoming requests to servers, and handling data in various algorithms.