Tsükliilistele

Tsükliilistele is a term used in Estonian-language technical writing to describe the concept of cyclic lists, a data-structural idea in which elements are arranged in a circle so that traversal can wrap from the last element back to the first. This contrasts with linear lists, where the sequence has a fixed beginning and end. In a cyclic list, the notion of next can continue indefinitely, though practical algorithms typically impose a stopping condition.

Implementation options include circular singly linked lists and circular doubly linked lists. In a circular singly linked list, each node contains a single next pointer, and the last node points back to the first. In a circular doubly linked list, nodes also maintain a previous pointer, enabling bidirectional traversal.

Common operations are insertion and deletion at arbitrary positions, searching, and traversal. Traversal often starts at an arbitrary node and proceeds by following next pointers; wrap-around occurs automatically when reaching the end. To avoid infinite loops, algorithms track a starting point or count elements.

Applications of tsükliilistele concepts appear in round-robin scheduling, fixed-size circular buffers, streaming playlists that repeat, and network simulations such as token-ring models. They are also discussed in the context of implementing circular queues and recyclable data structures.

Etymology and usage: the term combines elements meaning cycle and list; its exact form and adoption vary among authors. In many cases, the concept is explained using standard terms such as circular linked list or circular buffer rather than a single term; tsükliilistele may appear in pedagogical or language-specific discussions.