What is Circular Linked List? State the advantages and disadvantages of Circular Linked List.

Circular Linked List:

A circular linked list is a type of data structure that is similar to a regular linked list, except that the last node points to the first node, creating a circular loop. This means that there is no clear starting or ending point in the list, and traversal can be started from any node.

Advantages of Circular Linked List:

1. Efficient Memory Utilization:

   • In a circular linked list, there is no need for a separate pointer to keep track of the start of the list. This saves memory space, especially when the list is large.

2. No concept of Start and End:

   • Since the last node points to the first node, there is no clear distinction between the start and end of the list. This can be advantageous in certain situations, such as when dealing with circular data structures like rings or queues.

3. Faster Traversal:

   • Traversing a circular linked list is often faster than traversing a regular linked list because there is no need to check for the end of the list. The traversal can continue indefinitely, making it suitable for applications where continuous iteration is required.

4. Improved Locality of Reference:

   • In a circular linked list, the nodes are arranged in a circular fashion, which can improve the locality of reference. This means that when traversing the list, the nodes are more likely to be stored in adjacent memory locations, leading to better performance in cache-based systems.

Disadvantages of Circular Linked List:

1. Insertion and Deletion Complexity:

   • Inserting or deleting a node in a circular linked list requires more careful handling compared to a regular linked list. The circular nature of the list introduces additional complexities in updating the pointers to maintain the circular structure. This can lead to slightly higher time complexity for these operations.

2. Difficulty in Finding a Specific Node:

   • Unlike a regular linked list, where you can start from the head and traverse until you find the desired node, finding a specific node in a circular linked list is slightly more complex. You need to keep track of the current node and traverse the list until you encounter the target node or complete a full loop.

3. Limited Applications:

   • While circular linked lists have certain advantages, they are not as widely used as regular linked lists. Their niche applications include scenarios where circular data structures or continuous traversal is required. In general, regular linked lists are more versatile and commonly encountered in various data structures and algorithms.