Arrays Linked Lists Questions Medium
A circular linked list is a type of linked list where the last node of the list points back to the first node, creating a circular structure. In other words, the next pointer of the last node points to the head of the list.
The concept of a circular linked list is useful in various applications, including:
1. Implementation of circular buffers: Circular buffers are data structures that are used to efficiently store and retrieve data in a fixed-size buffer. By using a circular linked list, the buffer can wrap around itself, allowing for continuous storage and retrieval of data without the need for shifting elements.
2. Implementation of a round-robin scheduling algorithm: In operating systems, a round-robin scheduling algorithm is used to allocate CPU time to multiple processes. A circular linked list can be used to represent the list of processes, where each node represents a process and the next pointer points to the next process in line. This allows for a fair distribution of CPU time among the processes.
3. Implementation of a circular queue: A circular queue is a data structure that follows the FIFO (First-In-First-Out) principle, but with a fixed size. By using a circular linked list, the queue can wrap around itself, allowing for efficient insertion and deletion of elements without the need for shifting elements.
4. Implementation of a circular linked list as a data structure: In some cases, a circular linked list can be used as a data structure itself, where each node contains data and a pointer to the next node. This can be useful in scenarios where a circular structure is required, such as representing a circular path or a circular list of items.
Overall, the concept of a circular linked list provides flexibility and efficiency in various applications where a circular structure is needed or where efficient insertion and deletion operations are required.