Math for coding interviews/Pointer following - arrows in memory
Linked List Pointers: Following Arrows in Memory
A pointer is just a number that tells you where something else is in memory. "Node.next" means "here is the address of the next node." Following a linked list means jumping from address to address, one hop at a time.
See it for yourself
Boxes scattered around the screen with arrows connecting them. Each box has a value and an arrow pointing to the next box. The last box has an arrow pointing to "null" (nothing).
Pointer following - arrows in memory
A pointer is just a number that tells you where something else is in memory. "Node.next" means "here is the address of the next node." Following a linked list means jumping from address to address, one hop at a time.
Think of it this way: A scavenger hunt where each clue tells you where the next clue is hidden. You cannot skip to the end - you have to follow each clue in order.
For algorithms: Linked list operations are O(n) to reach a specific node because you must follow pointers one at a time. There is no shortcut like array indexing.
Real-world analogy
A scavenger hunt where each clue tells you where the next clue is hidden. You cannot skip to the end - you have to follow each clue in order.
Why it matters in interviews
Linked list operations are O(n) to reach a specific node because you must follow pointers one at a time. There is no shortcut like array indexing.