Linked List
A linked list is a linear data structure where elements, called nodes, are stored in non-contiguous memory locations and linked together using pointers or references. Each node contains data and a reference to the next node in the sequence, allowing for dynamic memory allocation and efficient insertions/deletions compared to arrays. It serves as a fundamental building block in computer science for implementing other data structures like stacks, queues, and graphs.
Developers should learn linked lists to understand core data structure concepts, optimize memory usage in applications requiring frequent insertions or deletions (e.g., real-time systems or dynamic lists), and prepare for technical interviews where algorithmic efficiency is tested. They are particularly useful in scenarios where data size is unpredictable or when implementing undo/redo functionality in software.