juniorStacks
How do you check if a Stack is empty?
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
Check if the top pointer is -1 (array) or null (linked list).
Deep explanation
Stacks are fundamental in computer science for managing nested or ordered data. Check if the top pointer is -1 (array) or null (linked list). They ensure that the last item processed is the first one returned, maintaining a strict temporal order.
Real-world example
Back button functionality in a web browser.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to check for emptiness before popping, causing a runtime error.
Follow-up questions
- What is the space complexity?