Linked list Data Structure
Linked lists are fundamental data structures in computer science that provide a versatile way to organize and store data. They offer flexibility and efficient insertion and deletion operations, making them a valuable tool in various applications. In this, we’ll delve into the world of linked lists, understand their structure, types, operations, and applications.
A linked list is a linear data structure made up of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference (or link) to the next node in the sequence. Unlike arrays, linked lists do not require contiguous memory locations. Each node points to the next node, forming a chain-like structure.
In the below PDF we discuss about Linked List Data Structure and its type in detail in simple language, Hope this will help in better understanding.
Types of Linked Lists :
There are several types of linked lists, including:
- Singly Linked List: Each node has a link to the next node in the sequence.
- Doubly Linked List: Each node has links to both the previous and the next nodes in the sequence, allowing for bidirectional traversal.
- Circular Linked List: The last node points to the first node, creating a circular structure.
Advantages of Linked Lists :
Linked lists offer several advantages:
- Dynamic Size: Linked lists can grow or shrink in size during runtime as nodes are dynamically allocated or deallocated.
- Efficient Insertion and Deletion: Inserting or deleting elements in a linked list is efficient as it involves adjusting pointers, rather than shifting elements.
- Ease of Implementation: Linked lists are relatively easy to implement and understand.
Basic Operations on Linked Lists :
Some fundamental operations on linked lists include:
Insertion: Adding a new node at the beginning, end, or at a specific position within the linked list.
Deletion: Removing a node from the linked list, either by value or position.
Traversal: Visiting each node in the linked list to perform operations or display data.
Searching: Finding a specific element in the linked list based on its value.
Applications of Linked Lists :
Linked lists are used in various applications, including:
- Implementation of Data Structures: Linked lists are a building block for other complex data structures like stacks, queues, and graphs.
- Memory Allocation: Operating systems use linked lists for memory management, such as tracking free memory blocks.
- Undo Functionality: Applications often implement undo functionality using a linked list to track changes.
Related Question
A linked list is a linear data structure consisting of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference (or link) to the next node in the sequence.
The common types of linked lists include singly linked lists, doubly linked lists, and circular linked lists.
Linked lists offer advantages like dynamic size, efficient insertion and deletion, and no need for contiguous memory, making them suitable for various applications.
To insert an element, you create a new node with the desired data and adjust the pointers in the adjacent nodes to include the new node in the sequence.
In a singly linked list, each node has a link to the next node, while in a doubly linked list, each node has links to both the previous and the next nodes.
To delete a node, you update the pointers in the previous and next nodes to bypass the node you want to remove, and then deallocate its memory.
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