Types of Linked List (Complete Tutorial)
Last Updated on: 1st Jan 2026 18:12:18 PM
Linked Lists are an important linear data structure used to store data dynamically. Depending on how nodes are connected with each other, linked lists are divided into different types. Each type of linked list is designed to solve specific problems related to memory usage, traversal, and data manipulation.
In this tutorial, you will learn about the different types of linked lists, their structure, working, and real-life examples that make them easy to understand.
Overview of Linked List Types
Based on the number of links in a node and the way nodes are connected, linked lists are mainly classified into the following types:
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Singly Linked List
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Doubly Linked List
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Circular Linked List
Each type has its own advantages and use cases.
Singly Linked List
A Singly Linked List is a type of linked list in which each node contains:
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Data (the actual value)
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Next (address of the next node)
Each node points only to the next node in the sequence. The last node points to NULL, which indicates the end of the list.
Structure
Head → Node1 → Node2 → Node3 → NULL
Key Characteristics
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Traversal is possible only in one direction
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Requires less memory compared to other linked lists
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Easy to implement and use
Real-Life Example
Think of a one-way road:
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You can move only forward
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You cannot go back once you pass a point
Similarly, in a singly linked list, you can move only from the first node to the last node.
Applications
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Stack implementation
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Queue implementation
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Dynamic memory allocation
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Simple data storage systems
Doubly Linked List
A Doubly Linked List is a linked list in which each node contains:
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Data
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Previous (address of the previous node)
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Next (address of the next node)
This allows traversal in both forward and backward directions.
Structure
Head → Node1 → Node2 → Node3 → NULL
Circular Linked List
A Circular Linked List is a linked list in which the last node points back to the first node instead of NULL. This creates a circular structure.
There is no NULL pointer in a circular linked list.
Structure
Head → Node1 → Node2 → Node3
↑ ↓
← ← ← ← ← ← ← ←
Key Characteristics
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No NULL pointer
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Traversal can start from any node
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Efficient for repeated looping
Real-Life Example
Think of a round-robin tournament:
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After the last player, the turn comes back to the first player
This continuous loop is similar to a circular linked list.
Applications
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CPU scheduling (Round Robin)
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Multiplayer games
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Circular queues
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Music players in loop mode
Comparison of Linked List Types
| Feature | Singly | Doubly | Circular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | One | Two | One or Two |
| Extra Memory | Low | High | Medium |
| Traversal | Forward | Forward & Backward | Circular |
| Last Node | Points to NULL | Points to NULL | Points to Head |
Conclusion
Linked lists come in different types to solve different problems. Singly linked lists are simple and memory-efficient. Doubly linked lists provide flexibility with two-way traversal. Circular linked lists are useful when continuous looping is required.
Understanding these types will help you choose the correct linked list for real-world applications and advanced data structures.
Keep practicing — you're doing amazing!
Happy Coding! 