What is a linked list?

What is a linked list?

• A. A data structure consisting of a sequence of elements, where each element points to the next
• B. A linear data structure that stores data elements in a contiguous manner
• C. A hierarchical data structure used to represent relationships
• D. A fixed-size array that allows for efficient random access

Answer: (A)

A linked list is a data structure consisting of a sequence of elements, where each element points to the next. This organization allows for dynamic memory allocation, meaning that the size can change during program execution. Each element in a linked list, often referred to as a node, includes data and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. This structure enables efficient insertion and deletion of elements, as nodes can be easily added or removed by adjusting the pointers, without needing to shift other elements around as would be necessary in an array. Additionally, linked lists can easily grow or shrink in size, accommodating varying amounts of data without requiring a predefined array size. In contrast, other options describe different data structures. For instance, linear structures that store elements contiguously refer to arrays, which lack the flexibility of linked lists. Hierarchical structures describe trees, which organize data in a branching manner rather than a sequential one. Fixed-size arrays limit the dynamic aspect of data organization and can incur inefficiencies in handling variable-sized datasets. Therefore, the description of a linked list is most accurately encapsulated in the first choice.

A linked list is a data structure consisting of a sequence of elements, where each element points to the next. This organization allows for dynamic memory allocation, meaning that the size can change during program execution. Each element in a linked list, often referred to as a node, includes data and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence.

This structure enables efficient insertion and deletion of elements, as nodes can be easily added or removed by adjusting the pointers, without needing to shift other elements around as would be necessary in an array. Additionally, linked lists can easily grow or shrink in size, accommodating varying amounts of data without requiring a predefined array size.

In contrast, other options describe different data structures. For instance, linear structures that store elements contiguously refer to arrays, which lack the flexibility of linked lists. Hierarchical structures describe trees, which organize data in a branching manner rather than a sequential one. Fixed-size arrays limit the dynamic aspect of data organization and can incur inefficiencies in handling variable-sized datasets. Therefore, the description of a linked list is most accurately encapsulated in the first choice.