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C Structs
course content

Course Content

C Structs

C Structs

1. Introduction to Structs
What are StructsStructs ApplicationDefining and Declaring StructsCreating Your First StructAccessing Struct Fields
2. Pointers and Structs
Pointers Brief OverviewPointers to StructsPointers Inside StructsDynamically Allocating StructsPassing Structs to the Functions
3. Structs and Memory
Understanding Memory Layout of StructsAlignment and Padding in StructsUnionsArrays with Structs
4. Advanced Structs Usage
Nested StructsStruct with Arrays and Other StructsAnonymous Struct and UnionComplex Data Structure
5. Implementing Data Structures
Introduction to Linked ListBasic Concept and StructureBuilding a Linked ListTravesting and Displaying Linked ListCompletionOverview

Basic Concept and Structure

A linked list in C is a simple dynamic data structure consisting of elements called nodes. Each node contains data (such as a variable or object) as well as a pointer to the next node in the list.

Here's what a typical node in a singly linked list looks like in C:

If instead of a pointer to the next node you try to simply create an instance of a new node, you will get an error.

The compiler will not be able to allocate memory for such a structure, since it contains itself.

(It's like trying to look at yourself from the outside with your own eyes)

Using a pointer solves this problem because the compiler knows how much memory to allocate for a pointer variable.

Note

The last node pointer will always be NULL.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Section 5. Chapter 2
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Basic Concept and Structure

A linked list in C is a simple dynamic data structure consisting of elements called nodes. Each node contains data (such as a variable or object) as well as a pointer to the next node in the list.

Here's what a typical node in a singly linked list looks like in C:

If instead of a pointer to the next node you try to simply create an instance of a new node, you will get an error.

The compiler will not be able to allocate memory for such a structure, since it contains itself.

(It's like trying to look at yourself from the outside with your own eyes)

Using a pointer solves this problem because the compiler knows how much memory to allocate for a pointer variable.

Note

The last node pointer will always be NULL.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

Section 5. Chapter 2
toggle bottom row

Basic Concept and Structure

A linked list in C is a simple dynamic data structure consisting of elements called nodes. Each node contains data (such as a variable or object) as well as a pointer to the next node in the list.

Here's what a typical node in a singly linked list looks like in C:

If instead of a pointer to the next node you try to simply create an instance of a new node, you will get an error.

The compiler will not be able to allocate memory for such a structure, since it contains itself.

(It's like trying to look at yourself from the outside with your own eyes)

Using a pointer solves this problem because the compiler knows how much memory to allocate for a pointer variable.

Note

The last node pointer will always be NULL.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below

Everything was clear?

A linked list in C is a simple dynamic data structure consisting of elements called nodes. Each node contains data (such as a variable or object) as well as a pointer to the next node in the list.

Here's what a typical node in a singly linked list looks like in C:

If instead of a pointer to the next node you try to simply create an instance of a new node, you will get an error.

The compiler will not be able to allocate memory for such a structure, since it contains itself.

(It's like trying to look at yourself from the outside with your own eyes)

Using a pointer solves this problem because the compiler knows how much memory to allocate for a pointer variable.

Note

The last node pointer will always be NULL.

Task

  1. Create a structure called Node;
  2. Create a data field called data;
  3. Create a field for a pointer to the next node.

Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
Section 5. Chapter 2
Switch to desktop for real-world practiceContinue from where you are using one of the options below
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