Advanced Linked List Guide 🧩

What is a Linked List?

A linked list is a linear data structure where each element (node) contains a value and a reference to the next node. Unlike arrays, linked lists allow dynamic memory allocation and efficient insertions/deletions.

Key Concepts

• Node Structure:
• Types of Linked Lists:
  • Singly Linked List
  • Doubly Linked List
  • Circular Linked List

Advanced Operations

1. Insertion at Specific Position
   • Requires traversing the list to locate the target node.
   • Example: Inserting a node between node2 and node3 in a singly linked list.
2. Deletion of a Node
   • Adjust pointers to bypass the node.
   • Special handling for head/tail nodes.
3. Reverse Traversal
   • Use a pointer to navigate backward in a doubly linked list.

Use Cases & Optimization

• Applications:
  • Implementing stacks and queues.
  • Managing dynamic memory in operating systems.
• Performance Tips:
  • Avoid frequent head/tail modifications in singly linked lists.
  • Use circular linked lists for applications requiring continuous loops (e.g., round-robin scheduling).

Further Reading

For a deeper dive into data structures, check out our Data Structures Introduction guide.