flattenedList

A flattened list, often referred to as a flattened array or a single-level list, is a data structure that results from the process of converting a multi-dimensional or nested list into a one-dimensional list. In essence, it takes all the elements from the various sub-lists and arranges them sequentially in a single, continuous list. This process eliminates any hierarchical structure, presenting all data elements at the same level.

The motivation for flattening a list can vary. Often, it simplifies data processing and manipulation. Many algorithms and data structures are designed to work with one-dimensional arrays, and flattening a nested list allows these tools to be applied directly. For example, searching for a specific element within a flattened list is generally more straightforward than searching through a nested structure. Furthermore, flattened lists can be more memory-efficient in certain programming languages or contexts, as they may avoid the overhead associated with managing nested objects or pointers.

The implementation of flattening can be achieved through various programming techniques. Recursive functions are a common approach, where a function calls itself to process each sub-list until the base case of a non-list element is reached. Iterative methods, often employing stacks or queues, can also be used to manage the traversal of the nested structure. The specific method chosen may depend on factors such as performance requirements, the depth of nesting, and the programming language being used.