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Questions and Answers
What does the pointer field in a linked list node contain?
Which operation is used to add an element to a linked list?
Which type of linked list contains pointers to both the next and previous nodes?
What is true about the structure of a circular linked list?
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How does the memory utilization of linked lists compare to arrays?
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What is the first node in a linked list called?
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Which of the following correctly describes a doubly linked list node?
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What happens when you delete the last node of a linked list?
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Study Notes
Linked List Fundamentals
- A linked list is a data structure for storing a collection of data in which each element is an independent object known as a node.
- Each node consists of two key components:
- Data Field: Contains the value of the element.
- Pointer Field: Holds the address of the next node, known as the successor.
- The first node is designated as the head, while the last node's pointer points to null, indicating the end of the list.
Visual Representation of Linked Lists
- Nodes are illustrated with the following characteristics:
- The address of the node is placed above its data field.
- The pointer field shows the address of the next node.
- The last node’s pointer field indicates null.
- Arrows connect consecutive nodes, illustrating the link between them.
Linked List Operations
- Display: Outputs the elements present in the list.
- Insert: Facilitates the addition of a new element to the list.
- Delete: Removes a specified element or all elements from the list.
- Search: Locates a specific element within the list.
- Count: Returns the total number of elements in the list.
Comparison: Linked List vs. Array
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Element Flexibility:
- Linked lists can grow or shrink dynamically; arrays have a fixed size determined at creation.
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Memory Allocation:
- Linked lists allocate memory at runtime, while arrays allocate memory at compile time.
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Element Access:
- Linked lists allow sequential access, contrasting with arrays which permit random access.
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Memory Efficiency:
- Linked lists typically utilize memory more efficiently than arrays due to their dynamic nature.
Types of Linked Lists
- Singly Linked List: The simplest form of a linked list with one pointer per node.
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Doubly Linked List:
- Contains two pointers per node:
- Left Pointer: Connects to the preceding (previous) node.
- Right Pointer: Points to the next node in the sequence.
- Visual includes:
- The left pointer field contains the address of the predecessor.
- The right pointer field holds the address of the successor.
- Null is indicated in the left pointer of the first node and right pointer of the last node.
- Contains two pointers per node:
Circular Linked List
- A variation where the last node's right pointer references the first node, forming a circle, allowing for continuous traversal of the list.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of linked lists, a key data structure in computer science. Explore the components, visual representation, and essential operations like display, insert, and delete. Perfect for students studying data structures.