juniorLinked Lists
Array vs Linked List: Memory Allocation
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
Arrays use contiguous memory; Linked lists use non-contiguous memory allocated at runtime.
Deep explanation
Linked lists are the foundation of dynamic data structures. Arrays use contiguous memory; Linked lists use non-contiguous memory allocated at runtime. They provide O(1) insertion at the front, which is superior to O(n) in arrays.
Real-world example
Undo functionality in text editors.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to handle the case where the list is empty (Null check).
Follow-up questions
- What is the search complexity?