Linear structures are arrangements where elements are organized in a straight line or sequence. Common examples include arrays, linked lists, and queues. These structures allow for efficient data access and manipulation, as each element can be reached in a predictable manner. In computer science, linear structures are essential for organizing data in a way that supports various operations, such as insertion, deletion, and traversal. They are often contrasted with non-linear structures, like trees and graphs, which allow for more complex relationships between elements. Linear structures are foundational in programming and algorithm design.