Singly Linked List Data Structure
A Singly Linked List consists of sequential node objects where each node stores a payload value and a pointer reference to the next node.
Singly Linked List Traversal & Insertion Step-by-Step
Allocate New Node
Create Node(18) in heap memory with next pointer set to NULL.
newNode = Node(18, next=NULL)Relink Node Pointers
Set newNode.next = head.next (pointing to Node(24)). Then set head.next = newNode.
Head -> [12] -> [18] -> [24] -> NULLReal-world analogy: Treasure Hunt Clues
Each clue box contains a prize and a written note pointing to the location of the next clue box.
- Node= Payload value + next pointer address.
- Head= Reference pointer to the starting node.
Operations explained
Complexity analysis
500 steps (Linear)
O(N) Linear Time
O(1) / O(N) Space
Memory growth rate as N expands.
Relative efficiency rating for large N.
| Operation | Time Complexity | Space Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Insert Head | O(1) | O(1) |
| Search | O(N) | O(1) |
| Delete Head | O(1) | O(1) |
Code implementations
class Node {
constructor(val) {
this.val = val;
this.next = null;
}
}Real-world applications
Dynamic Memory Lists
Allocates node chains on heap without preset sizes.
Symbol Tables
Resolves hash collisions via chaining.
Interview questions
Topic Knowledge Test & Assessment
Singly Linked List Knowledge & Skill Test
Validate your conceptual understanding, operation mechanics, and core concepts of Singly Linked List.
Topic Metadata
Always check for null head pointer guards before accessing `.next` properties to avoid runtime exceptions!