Linked List Basics Quiz

Study Notes

Linked List Basics

A linked list is a dynamic data structure for storing collections of data, with each element referred to as a node.
Each node consists of two main components: a data field and a pointer field.
The data field holds the value of the element, while the pointer field (also called link or reference) contains the address of the next node.
The first node in a linked list is known as the head, and the last node's pointer field points to null, indicating the end of the list.
Visualization of a linked list includes showing the address of the node above the data field, linking each node to its successor, and marking null in the last node's pointer field.

Operations of a Linked List

Display: Outputs all elements in the list.
Insert: Adds a new element into the linked list.
Delete: Removes a specific element or all elements from the list.
Search: Locates a specific element within the list.
Count: Returns the total number of elements present in the list.

Linked List vs. Array

Linked lists can expand as needed, while arrays have a fixed number of elements defined at creation.
Linked lists grow and shrink dynamically during execution; arrays maintain a constant size.
In linked lists, the position of elements is allocated at runtime; arrays allocate positions during compilation.
Elements in linked lists are accessed sequentially, while arrays allow random access.
Linked lists utilize memory efficiently compared to arrays, which might lead to inefficient memory use.

Types of Linked Lists

Singly Linked List: The simplest form of a linked list, allowing traversal in one direction.
Doubly Linked List: Contains two pointers in each node: one pointing to the next node (right pointer) and one pointing to the previous node (left pointer), facilitating traversal in both directions.
Circular Linked List: The last node's right pointer points back to the first node, forming a circular structure.

Visualization of Doubly Linked List

The left pointer field of a node shows the address of the preceding node (predecessor).
The right pointer field shows the address of the next node.
Null is indicated in the left pointer field of the first node and the right pointer field of the last node.

Description

Test your understanding of linked lists, a fundamental data structure in computer science. This quiz covers the components, operations, and visualization of linked lists, ensuring you grasp the essential concepts of nodes and pointers. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their knowledge.