View source for 4.1.1.2 Linked Lists (Singly, Doubly, Circular)

=== 4.1.1.2 Linked Lists: A Chain of Information ===
Imagine a treasure hunt where each clue tells you where to find the ''next'' clue. A '''linked list''' is similar! Instead of items being in numbered boxes like an array, each item (called a "node") holds its own piece of information ''and'' a pointer (or link) to the ''next'' item in the list. They're like a chain where each link knows where the next link is.

This is different from arrays because items in a linked list don't have to be right next to each other in the computer's memory. They can be scattered around, but the links connect them in order.

==== Singly Linked Lists ====
A '''singly linked list''' is like a one-way street or a simple chain. Each item points only to the ''next'' item in the list. You can easily go forward, but you can't go backward without starting from the beginning again. The very last item points to nothing, which tells the computer it's the end of the list.

* '''Example:''' A playlist where you usually just listen to songs in order.

==== Doubly Linked Lists ====
A '''doubly linked list''' is like a two-way street or a chain where each link knows both the link ''before'' it and the link ''after'' it. Each item has a pointer to the ''next'' item AND a pointer to the ''previous'' item. This means you can easily move forward or backward through the list.

* '''Example:''' The "undo" and "redo" buttons in a drawing program, or skipping forward and backward in a music player.

==== Circular Linked Lists ====
A '''circular linked list''' is like a merry-go-round or a string of fairy lights where the last light connects back to the first one. In this type of list, the very last item points back to the ''first'' item, creating a continuous loop. There's no "end" to the list!

* '''Example:''' A repeating song playlist, or a game where characters take turns in a circle.

==== Bibliography for Linked Lists ====

* '''Kiddle:''' [https://kids.kiddle.co/Linked_list Linked list Facts for Kids]
* '''WsCube Tech:''' [https://www.wscubetech.com/resources/dsa/singly-linked-list-data-structure Singly Linked List in Data Structure: Example, Operations, Programs]
* '''GeeksforGeeks:''' [https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dsa/singly-linkedhttps://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dsa/singly-linked-list-tutorial/-list-tutorial/ Singly Linked List Tutorial]
* '''WsCube Tech:''' [https://www.wscubetech.com/resources/dsa/doubly-linked-list-data-structure Doubly Linked List in Data Structure (Explained With Examples)]
* '''BTech Smart Class:''' [https://www.btechsmartclass.com/data_structures/double-linked-list.html Data Structures Tutorials - Double Linked List with an example program]
* '''YouTube (Code with Harry):''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57BKPX-TdHE&ab_channel=SCALER Circular Linked List Explained in a Minute | Data Structures & Arrays | Continuous Loop]
* '''GeeksforGeeks:''' [https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/dsa/circular-linked-list/# Introduction to Circular Linked List]