LESSON 37 / 75·2 min readFoundation

Linked list in Java

Should knowConcept lesson
01 Understand02 Recall03 Prepare

Node structure

java
class ListNode {
    int val;
    ListNode next;
    ListNode(int val) { this.val = val; }
}

Common Java questions

  • Reverse Linked List
  • Middle of the Linked List
  • Remove Nth Node from End
  • Merge Two Sorted Lists
  • Detect Cycle
  • Intersection of Two Linked Lists

Pattern: reverse linked list

java
ListNode reverseList(ListNode head) {
    ListNode prev = null;
    ListNode curr = head;

    while (curr != null) {
        ListNode next = curr.next;
        curr.next = prev;
        prev = curr;
        curr = next;
    }
    return prev;
}

Interview guidance

Always handle null, single node, and last node carefully.


PAUSE & RECALL

Can you explain it without the notes?

Linked list in Java

Use your own words. Explain an example and one limitation before checking the explanation.

Check your explanation

Node structure

CONNECT IT TO YOUR INTERVIEW

Turn this concept into a clear answer.

Practice this concept
YOUR NEXT STEP

Keep connecting the ideas.

Next lesson: Stack and queue in Java

Adapted from 15_DSA_JAVA.md · “4. Linked list in Java”. Examples are study fragments; framework behavior can depend on your version.