🔗 Types of Linked Lists in DSA
In DSA, a Linked List is a data structure in which elements, known as nodes, are linked together using pointers. Based on the number of directions a node can point, Linked Lists are classified into different types:
1. Singly Linked List
A Singly Linked List is the most basic type where each node contains data and a reference to the next node. It can be traversed in only one direction (forward).
🔄 Example:
Head → Node 1 → Node 2 → Node 3 → NULL
2. Doubly Linked List
A Doubly Linked List is more advanced than a singly linked list. Each node has two references: one pointing to the next node and one pointing to the previous node. This allows traversal in both directions (forward and backward).
🔄 Example:
NULL ← Node 1 ↔ Node 2 ↔ Node 3 → NULL
3. Circular Linked List
A Circular Linked List is a linked list where the last node points back to the first node, forming a circular structure. It can be singly or doubly linked.
🔄 Example:
Head → Node 1 → Node 2 → Node 3 → Head (Circular)
🚀 Advantages of Linked Lists:
- Efficient Insertions and Deletions: Adding/removing elements doesn't require shifting other elements as in arrays.
- Dynamic Size: Can easily grow or shrink based on the number of elements.
- Memory Efficient: Memory is allocated dynamically, so there is no waste of unused memory.
🔍 Comparison Between Linked List Types
- Singly Linked List: Can only be traversed in one direction. Best for basic use cases.
- Doubly Linked List: Allows traversal in both directions, but uses more memory.
- Circular Linked List: Useful when you need continuous looping of elements, like in round-robin scheduling.
🚀 Try Implementing Different Linked Lists:
- Implement a singly linked list and perform basic operations like insertion, deletion, and traversal.
- Create a doubly linked list and explore how backward traversal works.
- Create a circular linked list and experiment with the circular nature of it.