How is a linked list structured?

A linked list is structured as a series of nodes connected by pointers. Each node in a linked list comprises two core components: the data it stores and a reference (or pointer) to the next node in the sequence. This arrangement allows for efficient insertion and deletion of elements, as these operations can be performed without the need for shifting elements as is necessary in arrays. Linked lists can grow and shrink in size dynamically, providing flexibility in memory allocation that fixed-size structures lack.

The structure of linked lists contrasts with other options, such as arrays, which require a fixed size and involve contiguous memory allocation. Thus, the design of a linked list, with its interconnected nodes, makes it particularly useful for scenarios where the number of elements may not be known in advance and dynamic data management is essential.