
Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780078022159
Author: Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
expand_more
expand_more
format_list_bulleted
Question
Note: Give the Correct way and do not copy from other's work!!

Transcribed Image Text:**Detecting a Loop in a Linked List**
Given a linked list, how can we check if the linked list has a loop or not? The diagram below shows a linked list with a loop.
### Diagram Explanation
The linked list in question has the following structure:
- Node 1 points to Node 2.
- Node 2 points to Node 3.
- Node 3 points to Node 4.
- Node 4 points to Node 5.
- Node 5 points back to Node 2, creating a loop.
```
1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5
^ |
|______________|
```
### Algorithm to Detect a Loop
One of the most commonly used algorithms to detect a loop in a linked list is Floyd’s Cycle-Finding Algorithm, also known as the Tortoise and the Hare algorithm. Here’s how it works:
1. **Initialize Pointers**: Start with two pointers, both set to the head of the linked list. One pointer moves one step at a time (the "tortoise"), and the other moves two steps at a time (the "hare").
2. **Traverse the List**:
- Move the tortoise and hare forward as described (one step and two steps, respectively).
- If the hare encounters a `null` (i.e., the end of the list), then there is no loop.
3. **Loop Detection**:
- If there is a loop, sooner or later the hare will meet the tortoise within the loop. Thus, at some point, both pointers will be equal.
### Example Step-by-Step
Let's illustrate with the given linked list:
- **Step 1**: Initialize `tortoise` and `hare` to the head of the list (Node 1).
- **Step 2**: Move `tortoise` to Node 2 and `hare` to Node 3.
- **Step 3**: Move `tortoise` to Node 3 and `hare` to Node 5.
- **Step 4**: Move `tortoise` to Node 4 and `hare` back to Node 3.
- **Step 5**: Move `tortoise` to Node 5 and `hare` to Node 5.
At Step 5, `tortoise` and `hare` meet at Node 5, indicating
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by stepSolved in 2 steps with 6 images

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, computer-science and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Similar questions
- What is the Dogpile Effect and how does it operate? Is there anything you can do to stop this from happening?arrow_forwardPlease elaborate on the concept of testability, and if it's not too much trouble, provide a brief overview of the compiler as well.arrow_forwardwhat is a Nested selection in Programming and how it is used specifically in Python. Provide an Example of a portion of code using python for a nested selection.arrow_forward
- Give an explanation of the idea of testability and give a brief summary of the compiler, please.arrow_forwardThe question is, how long until anything breaks? Where is the link between this and shifting between different contexts?arrow_forwardExplain what is meant by "testability," and give a quick rundown of the compiler.arrow_forward
- What is the mechanism of action and definition of the Dogpile Effect? Is there anything you can do to stop this from happening?arrow_forwardPlease offer more explanation on the idea of testability, and if it is not too much difficulty, a summary of the compiler would also be helpful.arrow_forwardPlease provide an overview of the compiler and elaborate on the significance of testability.arrow_forward
arrow_back_ios
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
arrow_forward_ios
Recommended textbooks for you
- Database System ConceptsComputer ScienceISBN:9780078022159Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. SudarshanPublisher:McGraw-Hill EducationStarting Out with Python (4th Edition)Computer ScienceISBN:9780134444321Author:Tony GaddisPublisher:PEARSONDigital Fundamentals (11th Edition)Computer ScienceISBN:9780132737968Author:Thomas L. FloydPublisher:PEARSON
- C How to Program (8th Edition)Computer ScienceISBN:9780133976892Author:Paul J. Deitel, Harvey DeitelPublisher:PEARSONDatabase Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag...Computer ScienceISBN:9781337627900Author:Carlos Coronel, Steven MorrisPublisher:Cengage LearningProgrammable Logic ControllersComputer ScienceISBN:9780073373843Author:Frank D. PetruzellaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education

Database System Concepts
Computer Science
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education

Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:9780134444321
Author:Tony Gaddis
Publisher:PEARSON

Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:9780132737968
Author:Thomas L. Floyd
Publisher:PEARSON

C How to Program (8th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:9780133976892
Author:Paul J. Deitel, Harvey Deitel
Publisher:PEARSON

Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag...
Computer Science
ISBN:9781337627900
Author:Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris
Publisher:Cengage Learning

Programmable Logic Controllers
Computer Science
ISBN:9780073373843
Author:Frank D. Petruzella
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education