Linked List Data Structure: Creation and
Traversal in C Language
In this article, we will explore the creation and traversal of linked lists in
the C programming language. Linked lists are fundamental data
structures that allow dynamic storage allocation and efficient insertion
and deletion of elements. We will discuss the concept of linked lists, the
process of creating them, and how to traverse the elements stored
within a linked list. So, let's dive in!
Table
Introduction to Linked Lists
Creating a Linked List
Traversing a Linked List
Conclusion
FAQs
1. Introduction to Linked Lists
A linked list is a data structure that consists of a sequence of nodes,
where each node contains data and a reference (or link) to the next
node in the list. Unlike arrays, linked lists provide dynamic memory
allocation, allowing for efficient insertion and deletion operations.
Linked lists come in various forms, such as singly linked lists, doubly
linked lists, and circular linked lists.
, 2. Creating a Linked List
Creating a linked list involves allocating memory for each node
dynamically and connecting them together. Let's see the step-by-step
process of creating a singly linked list in C:
H2: Step 1: Define the Node Structure
To begin, we define the structure of a node using a struct. Each node
contains two fields: the data field to store the element and the next
field to hold the reference to the next node.
H2: Step 2: Initialize the Head Pointer
The head pointer is the starting point of the linked list. It initially points
to NULL, indicating an empty list.
H2: Step 3: Allocate Memory for Nodes
To create a linked list, we allocate memory for each node dynamically
using the malloc function. We assign the memory address to the newly
created node.
H2: Step 4: Assign Data and Link Nodes
After creating a node, we assign the data to the node's data field and
link it to the next node by updating the next field with the address of
the next node.
H2: Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4
We repeat Steps 3 and 4 to create and link multiple nodes until the
desired number of elements is added to the linked list.
Traversal in C Language
In this article, we will explore the creation and traversal of linked lists in
the C programming language. Linked lists are fundamental data
structures that allow dynamic storage allocation and efficient insertion
and deletion of elements. We will discuss the concept of linked lists, the
process of creating them, and how to traverse the elements stored
within a linked list. So, let's dive in!
Table
Introduction to Linked Lists
Creating a Linked List
Traversing a Linked List
Conclusion
FAQs
1. Introduction to Linked Lists
A linked list is a data structure that consists of a sequence of nodes,
where each node contains data and a reference (or link) to the next
node in the list. Unlike arrays, linked lists provide dynamic memory
allocation, allowing for efficient insertion and deletion operations.
Linked lists come in various forms, such as singly linked lists, doubly
linked lists, and circular linked lists.
, 2. Creating a Linked List
Creating a linked list involves allocating memory for each node
dynamically and connecting them together. Let's see the step-by-step
process of creating a singly linked list in C:
H2: Step 1: Define the Node Structure
To begin, we define the structure of a node using a struct. Each node
contains two fields: the data field to store the element and the next
field to hold the reference to the next node.
H2: Step 2: Initialize the Head Pointer
The head pointer is the starting point of the linked list. It initially points
to NULL, indicating an empty list.
H2: Step 3: Allocate Memory for Nodes
To create a linked list, we allocate memory for each node dynamically
using the malloc function. We assign the memory address to the newly
created node.
H2: Step 4: Assign Data and Link Nodes
After creating a node, we assign the data to the node's data field and
link it to the next node by updating the next field with the address of
the next node.
H2: Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4
We repeat Steps 3 and 4 to create and link multiple nodes until the
desired number of elements is added to the linked list.
