A Linked List is a fundamental data structure where elements (called nodes) are connected using pointers rather than stored in contiguous memory. Each node typically contains a value and a reference to the next node, allowing efficient insertions and deletions without shifting elements. Because of this pointer-based structure, linked lists behave very differently from arrays and require a different way of thinking about traversal and manipulation.

In coding interviews, linked lists are commonly used to test a candidate’s understanding of pointer manipulation, edge cases, and space‑efficient algorithms. Many interview problems revolve around patterns such as reversing a list, detecting cycles, merging lists, or finding the middle node. Techniques like the fast and slow pointer method (often taught alongside Two Pointers) are widely used to solve problems efficiently.

Linked lists also appear in more advanced variations such as Doubly-Linked List, where nodes store references to both previous and next elements. Some problems also combine recursion or stack-like processing, making concepts from Recursion and Stack helpful when reasoning about list transformations.

Practicing Linked List problems helps you build strong pointer intuition, recognize common interview patterns, and write cleaner in-place algorithms—skills that frequently appear in technical interviews at top tech companies.