What is a Linked List? Click to expand detailed explanation
Linked List (Linked List) Explanation
1. Basic Concept
A linked list is a linear data structure consisting of a series of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference (pointer) to the next node. Unlike arrays, elements in a linked list can be stored non-continuously in memory.
2. Characteristics of Linked Lists
Dynamic Size: Can be dynamically expanded or reduced by adding or removing nodes
Efficient Insertion and Deletion: O(1) time complexity when inserting or deleting at a known position
Flexible Memory Utilization: Nodes can be stored non-continuously
Low Random Access Efficiency: Requires traversing from the beginning to access a specific element
3. Linked List vs Array
Characteristic
Linked List
Array
Memory Allocation
Dynamic, Non-continuous
Static, Continuous
Insertion/Deletion Efficiency
O(1)
O(n)
Random Access
O(n)
O(1)
4. Common Application Scenarios
Linked list structures are widely used in browser history, music playlists, text editor undo functionality, blockchain technology, and many other applications.