A linked list is a linear data structure in computer science that consists of a sequence of nodes, where each node contains a data element and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. Unlike arrays, linked lists do not have a fixed size and can be dynamically resized during runtime. Linked lists are commonly used in computer science for implementing various data structures such as stacks, queues, and hash tables. The main advantage of linked lists is their ability to efficiently insert and delete elements from the list, as well as their flexibility in terms of size and structure. Keep reading below to learn how to use a Linked List in Javascript.
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How to use a Linked List in Javascript with example code
Linked lists are a fundamental data structure in computer science. They are used to store a collection of elements in a linear order. In this blog post, we will explore how to use a linked list in JavaScript.
A linked list is made up of nodes, where each node contains a value and a reference to the next node in the list. The first node in the list is called the head, and the last node is called the tail. The tail node’s reference is null, indicating the end of the list.
To create a linked list in JavaScript, we can define a Node class that has a value and a next property. We can then define a LinkedList class that has a head property and methods to add and remove nodes from the list.
Here is an example implementation of a Node class:
class Node {
constructor(value) {
this.value = value;
this.next = null;
}
}
And here is an example implementation of a LinkedList class:
class LinkedList {
constructor() {
this.head = null;
}
add(value) {
const node = new Node(value);
if (!this.head) {
this.head = node;
} else {
let current = this.head;
while (current.next) {
current = current.next;
}
current.next = node;
}
}
remove(value) {
if (!this.head) {
return;
}
if (this.head.value === value) {
this.head = this.head.next;
return;
}
let current = this.head;
while (current.next) {
if (current.next.value === value) {
current.next = current.next.next;
return;
}
current = current.next;
}
}
}
In the add method, we create a new node with the given value and add it to the end of the list. If the list is empty, we set the head to the new node. Otherwise, we traverse the list until we reach the last node and set its next property to the new node.
In the remove method, we remove the first node with the given value from the list. If the list is empty, we do nothing. If the head node has the given value, we set the head to the next node. Otherwise, we traverse the list until we find the node with the given value and remove it by setting its previous node’s next property to its next node.
In conclusion, linked lists are a powerful data structure that can be used to store and manipulate collections of elements in a linear order. With the Node and LinkedList classes we defined, we can easily create and manipulate linked lists in JavaScript.
What is a Linked List in Javascript?
In conclusion, a linked list is a fundamental data structure in computer science that is used to store and manage collections of data. In JavaScript, a linked list is implemented using objects and pointers, which allow for efficient insertion and deletion of elements. Linked lists are particularly useful when dealing with large amounts of data that need to be accessed and manipulated frequently. By understanding the basics of linked lists in JavaScript, developers can create more efficient and effective code that can handle complex data structures with ease. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, learning about linked lists is an essential skill that can help you build better software applications.
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