Circular Linked List is one of the data structures that has simplified the programming concepts to a great extent. Linked Lists are commonly used data structures in low, middle, and high-level programming languages.
Each data structure, such as Array and the linked list, has its own benefits and applications. Knowing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Circular Linked List is important for programmers who intend to incorporate this data structure into their syntax to design, scale and optimize their programs.
Usually, a linked list contains a null node (a node without reference) at the end, while a circular linked list is a special kind of list in which the last node points back to the first node, which is the start node. The start node acts as a reference point for the beginning of the list. If the start is equal to Null, then the Circular Linked List is empty.
From traversal to implementation, there are different advantages of circular linked lists in modern-day programming concepts. Some are described below.
Linked lists are a dynamic arrangement that can grow and shrink at runtime by allocating and flushing memory. For Linked lists, whether single, double, or even circular, it’s unnecessary to know the elements and allocate memory as it can be allocated as and when necessary.
Unlike linear data structures, circular linked lists let you use memory efficiently since the linked list's size increases or decreases dynamically, so there is no memory wastage. Moreover, there is no need to pre-allocate the memory.
Due to the ability to utilize memory and ease of data manipulation, linear data structures like stack and queues are often easily implemented using a linked list.
Inserting to and deleting from the circular linked list can be handled efficiently without having to restructure the list. There is no need to shift elements after the insertion or deletion of an element only the address present in the next pointer needs to be updated.
Besides the benefits, there are also some Disadvantages of Circular Linked List, which may occur while using stacks as you have to manipulate data through PUSH and POP Operations.
Since the memory allocation in a circular linked list happens at runtime, it requires more memory than an array or linear data structures such as stacks. Because in a node, a pointer is also required to store the address of the next element, and it requires extra memory for itself.
Since the last node in a circular linked list refers to the starting node, if not traversed carefully, then you could end up in an infinite loop. In a circular linked list, traversal is more time-consuming. Direct access to an element is not possible in a linked list as in an array by index.
Circular linked lists are more complex as compared to singly or doubly-linked lists. Reverse traversing through a circular linked list is only possible when you have an extra amount of memory. For performing reverse traversing, extra memory is required for the back pointer. Hence, there is a wastage of memory.
Random access is not possible in a linked list due to its dynamic memory allocation. Like singly and doubly lists, circular linked lists also don’t support direct accessing of elements. This turns out to be the biggest drawback of circular linked list.
Conclusion on Advantages and Disadvantages of Circular Linked List
From gaming to modern-day web browsers, Circular linked lists have their importance and applications. Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Circular Linked List pretty much gives the idea about their efficient use in day-to-day life. The next time you press the back button in the browser window, or even press undo in MS Office, remember that’s only possible because of the circular linked list.
A starting point may be found on any node. It's a good start for queue implementation. Circular lists are useful in programs that need to go around the list repeatedly. Circular DBLQs are used to create sophisticated data structures like the Fibonacci Heap.
Personal Computers are an excellent illustration of the real-world use for the circular linked list. another example is Multiplayer games. circular Linked List may also be used to make a Circular Queue.
1. Circular Linked List is Dynamic Data Structure type.
2. There is no memory wastage in a Circular Linked List.
3. Implementation is easier.
4. Widely used in Insertion and Deletion Operations.
A Circular Linked List is a kind of linked list in which the first element references the last and vice versa. A circular linked list may be created from either a singly linked list or a doubly-linked list.
Because the pointer to the next item is set to null only when the list is empty, it points to the list's head when there are no more items. A circular linked list may start at any node(head).