What is a linked list?

A linked list is a linear data structure that consists of a sequence of elements, known as nodes, where each node contains a data field and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. This structure allows for efficient insertion and deletion operations, as there is no need to move the other elements around in memory; instead, you simply adjust the pointers to the nodes.

In comparison to arrays, which require contiguous memory allocation and can be costly to resize or reorganize, linked lists can grow or shrink dynamically by easily adding or removing nodes. This characteristic makes them particularly useful in scenarios where the number of elements may change frequently.

The focus on the pointer from one element to the next is key to understanding why the structure allows for efficient operations. When inserting or deleting a node, only the pointers need to be updated, rather than shifting multiple elements, which can lead to faster performance for these operations.

This understanding highlights the flexibility and efficiency of using linked lists in certain programming scenarios, particularly in the context of managing collections of data that require frequent modifications.