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 insertion/deletion operations. It is a fundamental concept in computer science used to implement various abstract data types like stacks, queues, and graphs.
Developers should learn linked lists when building applications that require frequent insertions and deletions, such as real-time data processing or memory-constrained systems, as they offer O(1) time complexity for these operations at the head. They are essential for understanding low-level memory management, implementing dynamic data structures in languages like C or C++, and are commonly tested in technical interviews to assess algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills.