Linked List and its features

A linked list is a linear data structure consisting of a sequence of elements, called nodes, where each node contains a reference (or link) to the next node in the sequence. Unlike arrays, linked lists do not store elements in contiguous memory locations. Instead, they use pointers to connect nodes, allowing for dynamic memory allocation and efficient insertion and deletion operations.

Features of Linked List:

• 1. Dynamic Size:
  • Linked lists can grow or shrink in size dynamically as elements are added or removed.
• 2. Efficient Insertion and Deletion:
  • Insertion and deletion operations are efficient in linked lists, especially at the beginning or end of the list.
• 3. No Contiguous Memory Allocation:
  • Unlike arrays, linked lists do not require contiguous memory allocation for storing elements. Each node can be located at any memory location.
• 4. Sequential Access:
  • Linked lists support sequential access to elements. Traversing a linked list involves following the links from one node to the next until the end of the list is reached.
• 5. No Random Access:
  • Linked lists do not support direct access to elements by index. Accessing elements by index requires traversing the list from the beginning until the desired index is reached.
• 6. Two Types:
  • Singly Linked List: Each node contains a reference to the next node in the sequence.
  • Doubly Linked List: Each node contains references to both the next and previous nodes in the sequence.

Signature of Linked List in Java:

In Java, a linked list can be implemented using the `LinkedList` class provided in the `java.util` package. Here’s the basic signature of a linked list in Java:

```java
import java.util.LinkedList;

public class LinkedListExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Creating a LinkedList
        LinkedList<String> linkedList = new LinkedList<>();

        // Adding elements to the LinkedList
        linkedList.add("First");
        linkedList.add("Second");
        linkedList.add("Third");

        // Printing the LinkedList
        System.out.println("LinkedList: " + linkedList);
    }
}
```

In this signature:

• `LinkedList`: Represents the class used to implement a linked list in Java.
• `<String>`: Specifies the type of elements stored in the linked list. Here, it’s a linked list of strings.
• `linkedList`: Represents an instance of the `LinkedList` class.
• `add()`: Method used to add elements to the linked list.
• `System.out.println()`: Method used to print the contents of the linked list.