How to implement a linked list in Python?

Table of Contants

Introduction

A linked list is a fundamental data structure that consists of a sequence of elements, each containing a reference (or a link) to the next element in the sequence. Unlike arrays, linked lists do not require contiguous memory locations, allowing for efficient memory utilization. This guide will walk you through implementing a singly linked list in Python, covering basic operations such as insertion, deletion, and traversal.

Implementing a Singly Linked List

Step 1: Define a Node Class

The first step in implementing a linked list is to create a class to represent a node. Each node will store data and a reference to the next node in the list.

Step 2: Define the Linked List Class

Next, we create the LinkedList class, which will manage the nodes and provide methods for various operations.

Step 3: Practical Examples

Now that we have defined our linked list and node classes, let’s use them in a practical example.

Conclusion

Implementing a linked list in Python provides a flexible way to manage collections of data. By defining a node class and a linked list class, you can perform essential operations such as insertion, deletion, and traversal. Linked lists are particularly useful when you need dynamic memory allocation and efficient insertions or deletions, making them a valuable addition to your data structure toolkit.