Linked Lists

Linked List

A collection of objects where each element (node) contains data and a link (pointer) to the next node, representing a non-sequential structure.

Node

The basic unit of a linked list, which contains data and a pointer to the next node.

Dynamic Memory Allocation

The process of allocating memory at runtime instead of at compile time, enabling dynamic resizing in data structures.

Advantages of Linked Lists over Arrays

Allows dynamic resizing and provides efficient insertion and deletion operations.

Final Node Pointer in Linked Lists

Points to NULL in standard linked lists, back to the first node in circular linked lists, or to a dummy node in specialized cases.

Computing List Length for Standard List

Use a loop to iterate through nodes, counting until the end (NULL) is reached.

Insert Node After a Given Node

A function that adjusts pointers to insert a new node in the list after a specified node.

Insert First Node

A function that adds a new node at the beginning of the linked list.

Insert Last Node

A function that adds a new node at the end of the linked list.

Insert in Ordered List

A function that inserts a new value in its correct position to maintain order.

Remove Specific Node

A function that removes a node from the list by adjusting pointers.

Remove First Node

A function that deletes the first node of the linked list.

Remove Node by Value

A function that locates and removes a node with a specific value from the list.

Reverse Linked List

A function that reverses the direction of pointers in the list, changing the order of elements.

Doubly Linked List

A type of linked list where each node contains pointers to both the next and the previous node.

Best Practices for Linked Lists

Include deallocating memory to avoid leaks, initializing pointers to NULL, using meaningful names for nodes and pointers, validating pointers before dereferencing, and employing circular lists for continuous traversal.