Cs61A Linked List
A linked list is a data structure that consists of a group of nodes that together represent a sequence. Each node contains data and a link to the next node in the sequence.
Linked lists are a type of data structure that allows for efficient insertion and deletion of elements. They are often used in applications where data is constantly being added or removed, such as in a queue.
Advantages of Linked Lists
Linked lists have several advantages over other data structures, such as arrays.
They are flexible in terms of size – a linked list can grow or shrink as needed, whereas an array has a fixed size.
They can be easily implemented in a recursive manner, which can make code simpler and easier to understand.
They can be traversed in multiple ways, depending on the application. For example, a linked list can be traversed in reverse order or by skipping every other element.
Disadvantages of Linked Lists
Linked lists also have some disadvantages.
They require more memory than arrays, because each node must store a pointer to the next node in the list.
They are less efficient than arrays when it comes to accessing elements, because an array can be accessed in constant time while a linked list must be traversed from the beginning to the desired element.
Applications of Linked Lists
Linked lists are used in a variety of applications, such as:
Stacks: A stack is a data structure that allows for elements to be added and removed in a last-in, first-out (LIFO) manner. Linked lists can be used to implement stacks.
Queues: A queue is a data structure that allows for elements to be added and removed in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner. Linked lists can be used to implement queues.
Sorting: Linked lists can be used as the basis for sorting algorithms, such as selection sort and merge sort.
Hash tables: Hash tables are data structures that store key-value pairs. Linked lists can be used to implement hash tables.
