ListNodes

ListNode is a fundamental data structure concept used in computer science. It represents a single element within a linked list. Each ListNode typically contains two key pieces of information: data and a reference (or pointer) to the next ListNode in the sequence. The data can be of any type, such as an integer, string, or a more complex object. The reference, often called a "next" pointer, points to the memory address of the subsequent ListNode. The final ListNode in a linked list will have its next pointer set to null or a special sentinel value, indicating the end of the list.

Linked lists, which are composed of interconnected ListNodes, offer advantages over arrays in certain scenarios. For instance, inserting or deleting elements in the middle of a linked list can be more efficient than in an array, as it only requires modifying a few pointers rather than shifting large blocks of data. However, accessing a specific element in a linked list typically requires traversing from the beginning, making random access slower compared to arrays. The simplicity and flexibility of ListNodes make them a cornerstone for understanding more advanced data structures and algorithms.