Final answer:
Push and pop are operations used in stack data structures where push adds an element to the top and pop removes it, while the stack pointer keeps track of the top element's position in the stack.
Step-by-step explanation:
Push vs Pop vs Stack Pointer
In the context of computer science, push, pop, and stack pointer are concepts associated with the data structure known as a stack. A stack is a collection of elements that adheres to a last-in, first-out (LIFO) order. This means that the last element added to the stack is the first one to be removed.
Push Operation
The push operation refers to adding an element to the top of the stack. When a push operation is executed, the stack pointer is incremented to point to the new topmost element of the stack.
Pop Operation
Conversely, the pop operation refers to removing the element at the top of the stack. This operation decrements the stack pointer, effectively removing the topmost element and exposing the one beneath it as the new top.
Stack Pointer
The stack pointer is a special variable or register that always points to the top element of the stack. Its role is crucial for keeping track of the stack's current state and for the efficient execution of push and pop operations.