Core Data Structure Interview Questions and Algorithmic Solutions

Stack and Queue Fundamentals Stacks and queues share the trait that insertion and deletion occur solely at their endpoints. Typical stack storage models are sequential arrays and linked lists. A stack exhibits last-in-first-out behavior. Linked lists lack random access; elemants must be traversed sequentially. Linked representation simplifies ...

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2026 05:56:52 +0000 by Adam W

Finding the Entry Point of a Linked List Cycle Using Floyd's Algorithm

Problem DescriptionGiven the head of a linked list, determine the node where a cycle begins. If no cycle exists, return null. The cycle is identified when a node can be reached again by continuously following the next pointer. The solution must not modify the original linked list.Algorithm ExplanationFloyd's Cycle Detection Algorithm, also know ...

Posted on Mon, 18 May 2026 06:09:36 +0000 by jordy

Implementing a Headed Circular Doubly Linked List in C

Structural DefinitionA headed circular doubly linked list utilizes a sentinel node (head) that acts as a starting point. Unlike a singly linked list, each node contains two pointers: prev pointing to the predecessor and next pointing to the successor. The sentinel node's prev points to the tail, and the tail's next points back to the sentinel, ...

Posted on Sun, 17 May 2026 16:15:51 +0000 by Wolverine68

Common Linked List Algorithm Problems and Solutions

Node Class Definition The following ListNode class serves as the foundation for all examples in this article: import java.util.Arrays; public class ListNode { int data; ListNode next = null; public ListNode(int data) { this.data = data; } public String toString(ListNode node) { int[] values = new int[calcu ...

Posted on Thu, 14 May 2026 11:08:20 +0000 by duclet

L2-002 Linked List Deduplication

Given a linked list L with integer keys, you need to remove nodes with duplicate absolute key values. That is, for each key K, only the first node with absolute value K is kept. Meanwhile, all removed nodes must be saved in another linked list. For example, given L as 21→-15→-15→-7→15, you should output the deduplicated list 21→-15→-7 and the r ...

Posted on Wed, 13 May 2026 21:51:45 +0000 by nolos

Data Structures Comprehensive Practice Exam

1. The time complexity of an algorithm primarily depends on ( ). A. Problem size B. CPU clock speed C. Source code length D. Quality of the compiled binary Answer: A 2. For a sequential list containing n elements, inserting a new element while preserving the existing order requires shifting ( ) elements on average. A. n B. n/2 C. 2n D. n² Answe ...

Posted on Wed, 13 May 2026 02:06:38 +0000 by Romeo20

Classic Linked List Techniques: Pairwise Swapping, Backward Deletion, Intersection, and Cycle Entry Detection

Swappnig Adjacent Nodes in Pairs Given a linked list, swap every two adjacent nodes and return the head pointer. Only pointer manipulation is allowed; nodde values must remain unchanged. A sentinel node simplifies boundary handling. Maintain a prev pointer positioned immediately before each pair. In every iteration, identify the first node, the ...

Posted on Sat, 09 May 2026 16:12:35 +0000 by sonofsam

Linked List Algorithm Implementations

Swapping Nodes in PairsApproach: Using a dummy head nodeLogic: Create a dummy head node to simplify the swapping process. Use a current pointer that moves forward two steps at a time. The loop continues as long as there are at least two more nodes to swap.Implementation:/** * Definition for singly-linked list. * struct ListNode { * int v ...

Posted on Sat, 09 May 2026 03:30:26 +0000 by drorshem

Java Solutions for LeetCode Linked List Problems Following Code Record

Remove Linked List Elements (LeetCode 203) Given the head of a linked list and an integer val, remove all nodes where Node.val == val and return the new head node. Using a dummy head simplifies handling edge cases, especially when the head node itself needs to be removed. A traversal pointer prev is used to point to the node preceding the one c ...

Posted on Fri, 08 May 2026 12:36:38 +0000 by Anti-Moronic

Linked List Problems: Swap Pairs, Remove Nth From End, Intersection, and Cycle Detection

24. Swap Nodes in Pairs Problem: Swap adjacent nodes in a linked list pairwise, returnnig the new head. Do not modify node values—only rewire nodes. Approaches: Iterative: Use a dummy head to track the previous node. Adjust pointers for each pair. Recursive: Swap the first two nodes, then recurce on the reamining list. class Solution: ...

Posted on Fri, 08 May 2026 00:18:32 +0000 by dey.souvik007